Czech Republic and co-hosts Switzerland, who play the opening game of the European Championships next
week, both chalked up victories Friday in friendly internationals.
World champions Italy meanwhile were impressive 3-1 winners over Belgium, while Switzerland's co-hosts Austria enjoyed their first victory of the year in a 5-1 run
out against Malta.
The Czechs downed Scotland 3-1 in Prague in their last test match before the
tournament thanks to two goals from Libor Sionko and a late third from defender
Michal Kadlec.
Sionko, who could fill the midfield role vacated by the injured Tomas Rosicky,
scored in the 61st and 84th minutes before David Clarkson pulled one back for
Scotland, who narrowly failed to qualify for Euro 2008.
Substitute Kadlec made sure of victory with his goal in the 89th minute.
Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner was pleased with his side's performance.
The 68-year-old, who will retire after Euro 2008, said: "We knew it would
be difficult and it was. The game wasn't a dress rehearsal - we wanted to win.
"We saw more combinations this time compared to the game against Lithuania and our defence was better."
Czech Republic meet Switzerland in the opening game of the Euro 2008
tournament on June 7.
The Swiss ran out 3-0 winners over Liechtenstein in St Gallen, with Borussia
Dortmund striker Alexander Frei bagging two in the first half and Johan
Vonlanthen notching the third midway through the second.
Frei's goals in the 23rd and 31st minutes make him Switzerland's record
goalscorer, taking him to 35 goals in 59 games for the national team, one more
than Kubilay Turkyilmaz.
"He's had injuriy setbacks in his career but he is a big fighter with a
big heart. It is good for the whole team," Switzerland coach Kobi Kuhn
said.
The Swiss players now enjoy a weekend off before getting together at their Euro
2008 base at Feusisberg near Zurich on Monday. The Swiss and Czechs are in
Group A along with Portugal and Turkey.
"It's clear we have a few things to improve before the Czech game,"
Kuhn added.
In Graz, Austria were comfortable winners against Malta, ending a series of
five games without a victory.
Roland Linz (2), Rene Aufhauser, Ivica Vastic and Martin Harnik got the goals
while Michael Milfsud was on target for Malta, who are 135 in the FIFA rankings.
Austria's Euro 2008 campaign begins on June 8 against Croatia in Vienna, with
Germany and Poland also opponents in Group B.
Italy meanwhile warmed up for the tournament with a convincing 3-1 defeat of
Belgium in Florence.
Antonio Di Natale opened the account in the ninth minute after a fine pass from
Andrea Pirlo, and the Udinese striker was again on target four minutes before
half-time.
Mauro Camoranesi made it three in the 48th minute after a pass from Alessandro
Del Piero who had come on at half-time for Di Natale, before Belgium scored a late consolation.
Italy are hoping the victory in Florence is a good omen for the European
Championships. Shortly before the 2006 World Cup they defeated Germany 4-1 at the same ground and went on to win the tournament.
The Italians begin their Euro 2008 campaign against the Netherlands on June 9, and also face France and Romania in Group C.
It was a last test for coach Roberto Donadoni who tried two sets of attackers
in each half, with Luca Toni and Di Natale replaced for the second 45 minutes
by Del Piero and Antonio Cassano.
"The result was important, but it is more important to get ready for the
European tournament," Donadoni said.
"We played rather well. Di Natale is doing well and he showed his good
form as he has often done with the national team. In general everyone did his
job, but of course there are always things to improve.", dpa reported.
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