Sports News

In Sports News this Monday: the Czech Republic’s soccer team lose to Turkey in New York, making it four friendlies, no wins for coach Michal Bílek; Petr Frydrych comes second in the javelin at a Diamond League meeting in Shanghai; and Usain Bolt will again be the biggest star at Ostrava’s Golden Spike on Thursday.

Czechs lose to Turkey in disappointing friendly in New York

Czech Republic - Turkey, photo: CTK

As other countries hold training camps ahead of soccer’s World Cup in South Africa, the Czech Republic, who haven’t qualified, are currently in the United States for two friendly games. Czech coach Michal Bílek, who is without the likes of Tomáš Rosický and Milan Baroš, fielded a largely untested side in the first of those matches against Turkey in New York on Sunday. In a disappointing and disjointed performance, the Czechs were beaten 2:1 by the country which knocked them out at Euro 2008. That result means that Bílek’s record in charge now stands at four friendlies, no wins.

Ivan Hašek, the president of the Czech football association, is with the squad in America.

“I’m disappointed with the result and above all with the fact that, though there were a few good moments, the Turks were better and deserved to win…We need to improve a lot by September and I expect a whole lot more.”

Tomáš Hübschman (right), photo: CTK

With over two international dozen caps, defender Tomáš Hübschman was one of the more experienced players in the Czech line-up on Sunday.

“I think the players know how to play but everybody is used to something different at their clubs. This is the national team and we have to find one style of playing and all the players have to stick to it. The coach is trying to build a style, we’re trying to build it, but it isn’t always visible on the pitch. Some of the guys are here for the first or second time. It’s difficult for them, and could take some time.”

The Czechs’ next game is against the United States on Tuesday. They return to Prague the following day.

Hradec Králové to return to top flight after seven years

Photo: CTK

Hradec Králové have been celebrating promotion to the first division after a seven-year absence from the top flight. Their 1:0 win over Dukla Prague on Sunday gave them an unassailable lead at the top of the table.

Frydrych second in men’s javelin at Diamond League meeting in Shanghai

Petr Frydrych came second in the men’s javelin at a Diamond League meeting in Shanghai on Sunday. The Czech, who is coached by the great Jan Železný, took the silver with a personal record throw of 85 metres and 60 centimetres.

Usain Bolt to take part in 300 m at Ostrava’s Golden Spike

Usain Bolt, photo: CTK

Jan Železný is also the director of the Golden Spike meeting in the Czech city of Ostrava and has been lobbying to have the country’s biggest athletics event included in the Diamond League in future. This year’s Golden Spike takes place on Thursday and, as in 2009, by far the biggest attraction will be the fastest man alive, Usain Bolt. The Jamaican will be taking part in a rarely seen 300 metres, his longest race this season.