FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template
Vladimir Smicer’s early goal enabled the Czech Republic to beat World Cup finalists Paraguay 1-0 in the Kirin Cup football here on Thursday.
Fresh from winning the French league title with Lens two weeks ago, Smicer latched on to a pass from Roman Vonasek in the 12th minute with a sparkling left-foot shot.
It was one of only two shots Smicer, who will turn 25 Sunday, hit before he was replaced by Tomas Galasek in the 85th minute. Paraguay outshot the Czechs 15-8, but goalkeeper Tomas Postulka saved everything fired at him at the Kobe Universiade Memorial Stadium in western Japan.
It was a sweet victory for the Czechs, who missed out on the World Cup finals.
The Czech Republic have one win, Paraguay one draw and a defeat, and Japan one draw in the three-nation round robin. The Czechs will take on the hosts in Yokohama on Sunday.