Sports News

Sparta Prague versus Slavia Prague, midfielder Karel Poborsky (in the middle), photo: CTK

The most anticipated clash in Czech football, Sparta Prague versus Slavia Prague ends scoreless, though there are goals aplenty between Liberec and Ceske Budejovice. Czech internationals have been giving a good account of themselves in Europe's biggest competition, the Champions League. In ice hockey, former Czech coach Josef Augusta is close to signing with Havirov. That's in today's Sports News.

Sparta-Slavia derby ends in scoreless draw, but goals galore in north Bohemia

Sparta Prague versus Slavia Prague,  midfielder Karel Poborsky  (in the middle),  photo: CTK
They call it the "S" derby; Sparta Prague versus Slavia Prague is without doubt the most anticipated clash in Czech football. Monday's fixture at Slavia's temporary home Strahov was - incredibly - the 142nd meeting of the two clubs. Unfortunately for the fans who turned out on a very wet evening, neither team could break down the other's defence, and the game ended scoreless. Despite the lack of goals, Sparta coach Jozef Jarabinsky did not think the derby was a complete washout.

"It was an above average game. We wanted to win, and we only got a draw, so I'm not too satisfied. Our midfielder Karel Poborsky was impressive, I thought. He's a good player, both for the league and for spectators."

Karel Poborsky has indeed been a big hit in the Czech league; he signed with Sparta in the summer after six years abroad.

Unlike in Prague, there were goals galore in north Bohemia on Monday, with champions Liberec putting five past new boys Ceske Budejovice. Lubomir Blaha got a hat-trick and Martin Zboncak a brace, in a very impressive performance. Liberec were minutes away from going top of the league on goal difference, when Ceske Budejovice got one back in the 81st minute. That leaves Liberec in second place behind Sparta - both clubs have 17 points with seven games played.

Czech internationals shine in Europe's most important club competition

Czech captain Pavel Nedved played brilliantly in Juventus's 5:0 Champions League crushing of Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday night; Nedved set up two of Juve's goals before driving one home himself with eleven minutes to go. Afterwards, Nedved said it had been his best performance in his year at the club. Also in the Champions League, Jan Koller scored for Borussia Dortmund, and Milan Baros continued his wonderful run at Liverpool with another goal. And Patrik Berger got his first action at Liverpool in some time, coming on as a sub for the last ten minutes of their draw with Basle.

Sparta-Slavia ice hockey derby ends 1:1

There was another Sparta-Slavia derby on Tuesday, this time in ice hockey. That game too ended in a draw, but at least there were a couple of goals, one apiece with Michal Bros delivering for Sparta and Josef Beranek for Slavia. Pardubice lead the Extraliga - they're ahead of Litvinov on goal difference alone. Sparta are in third.

Havirov close to signing Josef Augusta as coach

Havirov have become the first club this season to sack their coach - they let Kamil Konecny go after only four games in charge. The club picked up no points during his short reign. Havirov are reportedly very close to signing former Czech national coach Josef Augusta as a replacement for Konecny.