BRATISLAVA, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- In a clear demonstration of superiority, the Czech Republic defeated Slovakia 2-0 in Group 2 of the UEFA Nations League on Wednesday.
Slovak goalkeeper Marek Rodak was left helpless during the subsequent corner kick as the Czechs midfielder Tomas Soucek was left unguarded in the box and was able to place his header comfortably towards the right post, taking the 1-0 lead.
Zdenek Ondrasek was given enough space in the box to handle a pass, do a quick turnaround and stretch the lead to 2-0 in the 55th minute after his shot ended up behind Rodak's back.
After Israel's surprising 1-0 victory over Scotland, the Czech Republic moved to the pole position of Group 2 and gained the right to play in the next year's edition of the Nations League in its top-tier League 1.
Slovakia moves disappointingly to League 3 after the new coach Stefan Tarkovic's first defeat since taking over the team in November.
"I have to say that we faced the toughest opponent of our group and it showed. The Czechs deserve the victory. Maybe we will succeed in our future match-up," said Tarkovic after the game.
"I think the better team won. We regret descending to the third division. But we have managed to advance to the European championship in one of our previous November matches, that's what we can build upon," added Slovakia's captain and Chinese Super League Dalian Yifang star midfielder Marek Hamsik. Enditem
