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Goalkeeper Petr Čech has tried out a specially-designed mask to protect his broken nose and allow him to try to play for the Czech Republic in their Euro 2012 playoff against Montenegro on Friday. The Chelsea player, however, was not completely confident of being ready for the first leg of the playoff, telling journalists on Thursday that even with the mask he could not guarantee a 100 percent performance. Čech broke his nose against Blackburn Rovers in a Premier League game on Saturday. Coach Michal Bilek, already without suspended midfielder Tomas Hubschman, said Čech’s presence on the pitch would be a big boost for the team. If Čech cannot play Bilek will turn to Hamburg SV's Jaroslav Drobny.

In Sport News this Monday: in football, the Czech national team beats Lithuania to earn a Euro 2012 playoff place while Sparta Prague suffer first league defeat of the season; in tennis, Wimbledon Champion Petra Kvitová takes her fifth WTA title while the Czech women’s team prepares for Fed Cup final; and in cyclocross, world champion finishes third in the World Cup opener.

The Czech national football team defeated Lithuania Tuesday evening, keeping alive their hopes for European Championship qualification. The Czechs led 3:0 at the end of the first half, before Lithuania won one goal back on a penalty that the Czech side reduced to 10 men. Despite playing shorthanded, the Czechs were able to add one more goal on their own penalty kick, ending the match 4:1. Scotland’s 3:1 loss to Spain, which played out at the same time, will allow the Czech Republic to proceed to the knockout round to be held November 11 and 15. Their opponent in that match will be drawn on Thursday.

The Czech national football squad secured an impressive 4:1 win over Lithuania on Tuesday, keeping alive the team’s chances of reaching the European Championship next year in Poland and Ukraine. Despite receiving bad news shortly before the match that midfielder Tomáš Rosický would not be able to play, the team displayed plenty of verve throughout the game and jumped to an early lead.

In Sports News: legendary Czech jockey Josef Váňa wins his eighth Velká Pardubická steeplechase; the national football squad suffer defeat against Spain in Euro Championship qualifying, meaning it will be do-or-die against Lithuania on Tuesday; in tennis, Berdych wins the China Open.

The Czech national football team lost to Spain 2:0 in Prague on Friday, in a qualifying game for the EURO 2012. The Spaniards eased their way past the Czechs, scoring twice early in the game. The hosts showed a great deal of respect for the reigning world and European champions, and only picked up some courage before half time but Michal Kadles, Tomáš Rosický and Milan Baroš failed to convert some of the rare opportunities. The visitors, who had already qualified for the Euro cup, dominated the game, showing a far superior play. The Czechs now rank second in the qualification’s I Group, two points ahead of Scotland.

In Sports News: the Czech Republic’s national football team ties with Scotland in their Euro 2012 qualifier; Jaroslav Kulhavý wins the World Championship in cross-country mountain bike racing.

The Czech Republic’s national football team drew 2:2 with Scotland on Saturday in their Euro 2012 qualifier. Twice the Czechs came back from a goal down, the second time on a penalty kick. In the 90th minute, Michal Kadlec sent the ball just under the crossbar, giving the Scottish keeper no chance and allowing the Czechs to earn a point from the game. The draw means the Czech Republic still has a chance to finish second behind Spain in group I, with the possibility of qualifying for the European Championship in the playoff round.

In Sports News this Monday: Czech footballers fail in a friendly against Norway while at home, action continues in Gambrinus Liga; two Czech riders see mixed luck at motorcycle Grand Prix in Brno; Czech cross country rider wins 2011 World Cup; and three-time hockey world champion Oldřich Machač dies aged 65.

The Czech national football squad is readying for a friendly against Norway, its final international match before qualifying for Euro 2012 resumes in September. The Czechs will face the Norwegian squad in Oslo on Wednesday. Team coach Michal Bílek said that his side needed a good result to improve the atmosphere ahead of the upcoming qualification match against Scotland. New players nominated to the squad include Marcel Gecov and Tomáš Pekhart. Regulars like goalie Petr Čech and striker Milan Baroš are also on the roster for Wednesday.