Jan Koller scored two goals and set up another yesterday to lead the Czech Republic over Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 in their final warm-up match before the World Cup.
Koller, the Czech Republic's all-time leading scorer, scored his 41st and 42nd goals for his country, both in the first half.In the sixth minute, he headed in Karel Poborsky's cross from close range.
Koller, who returned to the national team in a friendly against Costa Rica on Tuesday after he missed almost the entire season due to a knee injury, last scored for the national team in a friendly against Sweden on August 17, 2005.
In the 22nd minute, Koller collected the ball from Milan Baros with his back to goal inside the area and sent a precise pass to Pavel Nedved, who volleyed past diving goalkeeper Kelvin Jack.
Koller added his second five minutes from halftime. Nedved started the action in the middle, sending a through pass to Poborsky, who fed Koller with a low cross. The tall striker's low shot from close range found the back of the net.
Koller, who scored nine goals in World Cup qualifying, was applauded by 15,910 fans at the Sparta Prague's Letna stadium when he was replaced by Vratislav Lokvenc in the 61st.
"I was very satisfied with Jan Koller," Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner said. "His play is exactly what we need. I feel very good about him."
It was the third defeat in a row for 47th-ranked Trinidad and Tobago, who lost to Wales 2-1 last week Saturday and to Slovenia 3-1 last Wednesday.
The Czech Republic beat Saudi Arabia 2-0 and Costa Rica 1-0 in their warm-ups.
Despite the loss, Trinidad and Tobago coach Leo Beenhakker said he was happy with the game.
"My players are not used to this way of football, to football they especially play here in Europe. It's much more faster and much more physical than they're normally used in their clubs," Beenhakker said. "I prefer to have the problems now... I prefer that (my players) are surprised now instead of next week after the Sweden match."
Under pressure throughout the game, the visitors came close on a counterattack in the 14th minute when Stern John managed to beat the Czech defence and forced Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech to make a blocking save.
"They scored the goals and we prepared the goals," Beenhakker said, adding his team still have a chance to improve. "I can assure you we've learned a lot. If it's enough, we will see."
Koller's return to form was good news for Bruckner, who still had injury worries and was again not able to field his favourite starting line-up.
Czech Republic playmaker Tomas Rosicky again sat out with a thigh injury. Bruckner rested Rosicky to make sure he will be fit for the World Cup opener against the United States on June 12.
The 25-year-old Rosicky, who moved to Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund earlier this month, last played in the team's friendly against Saudi Arabia last week. He was then replaced after being tackled several times.
Also, Czech Republic captain Tomas Galasek didn't play yesterday. That means the 33-year-old defensive midfielder missed all three warm-up games due to a knee injury. He was expected to be ready for the World Cup.
Jaroslav Plasil and Jan Polak took their posts yesterday.
Earlier this week, the Czechs lost midfielder Vladimir Smicer of Bordeaux. He was ruled out due to a hamstring injury and was replaced by Libor Sionko of Rangers.
Trinidad and Tobago, the smallest nation appearing in the World Cup, open against Sweden on June 10, then face England and Paraguay in Group B.
The Soca Warriors, who will make their World Cup debut, leave for Rotenburg, Germany, today and will play FC St Pauli the next day.
After their World Cup opener, the Czechs will be playing Ghana and Italy in Group E. The Czechs, also ahead of their first World Cup, are scheduled to leave for Germany on Wednesday.
Line-ups:
Czech Republic: Petr Cech, Zdenek Grygera, David Rozehnal, Tomas Ujfalusi, Marek Jankulovski (Pavel Mares, 79), Karel Poborsky (Jiri Stajner, 61), Jan Polak (Marek Heinz, 61), Jaroslav Plasil, Pavel Nedved (Martin Jiranek, 82), Milan Baros (Libor Sionko, 46), Jan Koller (Vratislav Lokvenc, 61).
Trinidad and Tobago: Kelvin Jack, Avery John (Atiba Charles, 46), Marvin Andrews, Dennis Lawrence, Chris Birchall (Aurtis Whitley, 46), Cyd Gray, Carlos Edwards (Kenwyne Jones, 69), Collin Samuel, Stern John, Densill Theobald (Anthony Wolfe, 77), Dwight Yorke.
