Finished: Kreuziger will race for Astana

The best Czech cycler Roman Kreuziger will leave Italian team Liquigas and will race for Kazakh racing stable Astana. “I needed a change. New people, new motivation“ claimed Kreuziger on his websites. Astana confirmed this information. "I am happy that we concluded a contract with Kreuziger. He will race for our racing stable from next season." Native of Pilsen signed a two year contract. The ninth cyclist of recent Tour de France should take Contador´s place in Astana because phenomenal Alberto Contador will race for Saxo Bank. Kazakh Vinokurov will belong to Kreuziger´s team-mate. 36 years old Vinokurov, leader and chief of Astana, is going to racing one season any more.

Viktoria Pilsen´s farm is slumping

Whereas Viktoria Pilsen is leading Gambrinus league after seven rounds, Viktoria Pilsen´s farm is dropping away. A team comprising young Pilsner players is off form. Viktoria has gained only one point for a tie game and lies in relegation zone. Pilseners suffered a beating in Chomutov in the opening match. Chomutov overplayed Pilsen clearly 5:2. In the second bout they drew with Kraluv Dvur 1:1. Viktoria was near to victory, but Vanecek blew a penalty in the end of the game. Next clash Pilsen lost in Prague against Vltavin 1:2. Pilsen was leading for seventy minutes, but home team nipped 2:1. Referees made a few mistakes in the game, when did not see two clear fouls by home footballers in penalty area. And in the last match Pilsen entertained Kunice, but Viktoria played poor game and finally lost 0:2. Viktoria will challenge Ovcary in the next bout.

Balner and Ptacnikova fought out the first year of “Pilsner pole“

The first year of “Pilsner pole“ took place in the Republic Square. Athletes of Dukla Prague gained all medals among men. Michal Balner performed the record jump (560 cm) and fought out the title. Jan Kudlicka gained the second place and Stepan Janacek the third position. Jirina Ptacnikova won clearly among women. A pole-vaulter of Olymp Prague and the native of Pilsen jumped 440 cm. The second place belongs to Iva Brandova from AK Skoda Pilsen and Tereza Slezova from USK Prague ended at third place.

Viktoria romped to victory and has four-point spread at top of the table

Seven matches, six victories and a tie. It is Viktoria Pilsen´s outstanding overall in this season. Pilsen maintained its invincibility in the seventh round in Ceske Budejovice. Budejovice did not lost before this match, but Viktoria blanked its opponent and scored three times. Moreover, a novice in the team Pavlik held the second clean sheet in a row. Viktoria Pilsen has not conceded a goal for 367 minutes! But defence is not the only Pilsen weapon. Pilsen boasts the best offence in the league scoring seventeen goals. The first scoring chance had home Mejzlik, but he missed the net. After half an hour Petrzela shot above the crossbar. After a while goalkeeper Kucera fouled near to penalty area but Horvath did not succeed with dead ball situation. In the second half Budejovice became convinced about the best offence in the league. After Rajtoral´s cross Daniel Kolar opened the score. Home team had a corner kick seven minutes later but hosting Pilsen scored. Kolar passed to running Rezek and he chalked up his sixth goal in the season. Daniel Kolar cut a dash with his second goal in the 72th minute. Petrzela cross-kicked and Kolar placed. Then Pilsner fans threw explosives at the field and the match was abandoned for a while. Home Ondrasek fell down in the penalty box in the end of the clash and referee Zelinka showed him the second yellow card. Thanks to the victory Pilsen has a four-point spead at top of the league table.

Dynamo České Budějovice - Viktoria Plzeň 0:3 (0:0).
Goals: 50. a 72. Kolář, 57. Rezek. Referees: Zelinka - Pelikán, Lakomý. Yellow cards: Černák, Kučera, Lengyel, Ondrášek - Pavlík, Bystroň. Red card: 78. Ondrášek (Budějovice). Spectators: 4082.

České Budějovice: Kučera - Laštovka, Horejš, Lencevič, Žižka - Mezlík (66. Sedláček), Černák (66. Pecka), Otepka, Lengyel, Hudson (90. Rakovan) - Ondrášek. Trenér: Šilhavý.

Plzeň: Pavlík - Rajtoral, Navrátil, Bystroň, Limberský - Petržela (89. Střihavka), Kolář (83. Bakoš), Rada, Horváth, Jiráček (80. Ďuriš) - Rezek. Trenér: Vrba.

Viktoria achieved a victory at Letna in five years

FC Viktoria Pilsen, the leader of Czech top competition, confirmed its position at Letna stadium. Pilsen defeated struggling Sparta Prague thanks to Jiracek´ s goal in the sixth league round. Pilsen leads the league with sixteen points in the league table, the second Olomouc loses two points and Sparta even seven. New Viktoria´s goaltender Pavlik guarded the goal. Zurek and Duris, the other assets of Pilsen team, warmed the bench. Home Sparta wanted to save its face after a beating with Zilina. Key players Matejovsky, Sionko and Wilfried appeared in the line-up. Viktoria had the first shooting chance after five minutes of the game, but Blazek made a brilliant save. Then two Pilsner breaks ended by offside, but those were mistakes from a line referee. In the 18th minute Sionko´ s head-butt missed the net. Sparta had two corner kicks in the end of the first half, but without a scoring opportunity. The start of the second half was not too attractive. The clutch happened after an hour of the match. Captain Horvath passed Jiracek and he scored from penalty area. Sparta was struggling, but desired for an equalizer. Eight minutes before the full time Rajtoral saved Pilsen after Sionko´s head-butt. A few minutes later Vachousek missed the post and sharpshooter Wilfried wasted a scoring chance. Pilsen won at Letna stadium in five years and holds the first position in the league table.

“ The match was carved out. We were luckier than Sparta today. I am very glad that we maintained the victory,“ happy coach Pavel Vrba claimed.

AC Sparta Prague – FC Viktoria Pilsen 0:1

half time: 0:0. goal: 60. Jiracek. Yellow cards: Adiaba – Pavlik, Petrzela, Bystron. Spectators: 7943.

Sparta: Blazek - Adiaba, Brabec, Repka, Krob - Sionko, Matejovský, Hoheneder (71. Hejda), Kucka (54. Vachousek), Jeslinek (71. Kweuke) – Wilfried.

Plzeň: Pavlik - Rajtoral, Navratil, Bystron, Limbersky – Petrzela (86. Sevinský), Kolar, Rada, Horvath (78. Bakos), Jiracek (66. Strihavka) – Rezek.

Marsoun won clearly West Bohemian “A“ tournament

From August 10-15 this year the only tennis tournament of “A“ category took place. The early round of the tournament took place in TK Skoda Pilsen, since the quaterfinals the tournament moved to Horsovsky Tyn. A victor gained 200 points for Czech ranking, a runner-up 140. The tournament started by the qualification battles, where Lukas Marsoun, future winner of the tournament, played. Top seeded players in main draw, Kamenik and Suc, lost their first bouts. Nobody form Pilsner players advanced to the last 16. Vojtech Blazek retired in the second round against Zeleny and seeded Stengl lost to Polacek from LTC Modrany. Lukas Marson dominated the tournament. A former winner of the Czech junior championship lost just two games in two qualification matches! And his results in the main draw are unbelievable. He outclassed Javurek, Vrbka, Polacek, Tomiska and Chmelik on his way to the final match. Also Kohout from TK Sparta Prague had no chance and Marsoun won the final 6:1,6:1! The player of LTC Slovan Kladno has been playing two tournaments of Futures category this year, but in Germany lost his first bout and in Poland lost to his compatriot Lojda in the second round. Tomiska with Pultr gained the doubles title, Novy and Luhan from Karlovy Vary fell to Toman, Kamenik in the semifinal clash.

Pilsen crushes its opponents, Litvinov had no chance either

Pilsen team is unstoppable in summer Tipsport Cup! After victories over Chomutov and Slavia Prague, Indians beaten Litvinov decisively 6:1. For the first time, overseas assets Lammers and Johnson appeared in Pilsen line-up. Litvinov played in powerplay after a few minutes of the game, but without a scoring chance. Then Lammers and Johnson gave a good account of themselves, but Hübl did not concede a goal. The scoreline changed in the 12th minute. Nickolas Johnson was emphatic at goalmouth and broke the deadlock. Litvinov had a chance to equalize in two-man advantage, but Kubincak hit Prikryl and then home goalkeeper made a fantastic save against a clear Rindos´s chance. Pilsen increased its lead two minutes after beginning of the second period. Kracik passed exactly on Dresler and he scored. In the 28th minute the home crowd was chanting Vlasak´s name. Vlasak hit the target after a fast breakaway and Lammers´s assistance. Pilsen was on a charge nearly the whole period. Hübl yielded another goal after Dvorak´s shot. In the last period Lammers scored after a combination of the first unit. Prikryl did not maintain his shut-out. Veteran Kubincak scored a consolation goal. Vlasak drew a line under the match a few seconds before the end. Pilsen team is going for a tournament in Dresden.

HC Pilsen 1929 is seventeenth among European clubs!

Just as traditionally, server hockeyarchives.info announced a ranking of European clubs. Pilsen holds the seventeenth place in the ranking after a great last season and victory in the regular season. Pilsen team left behind for instance Spartak or Dynamo Moscou. After a gap year, the top European team is Salavat Yulaev Ufa from Russia. Eaton Pardubice, the winner of the Czech top competition, is placed on eleventh position. The other Czech teams worth mentioning Viktovice, holds 22th position, Zlin 26th and Sparta Prague 31th. The main criterions are difficulty of the league, league results and position of the club in the league table.

Viktoria defeated Slovacko and holds the first place in Czech league

Viktoria Pilsen footballers have been playing great in this league season. Pilsen has been unbeatable so far and only in the first round tied with Olomouc 2:2. Viktoria decisively beaten 3:0 1. FC Slovacko in its fifth season bout and still leads the league with 13 points in the league table. Home team started at a cracking pace and captain Horvath broke the deadline after ten minutes of the game. Pilsen team got Slovacko down with fast and technical play. Away team also had a few chances, but Volesak hit Tichacek in the biggest of them. In the end of the first half Slovacko was under the pressure and Viktoria had five scoring chances. Rada and Petrzela missed the goal and Jiracek, Rada and Horvath´s shots cought goaltender Filipko, the best Slovacko´s player in the clash. Moravians had a major chance after a few minutes of the second half but Vit Valenta missed the net. In the 58th minute sharpshooter Rezek increased Pilsen lead after Kolar´s assistance. This goal was Rezek´s fifth in this season and meant that he was a top scorer in the league. The author of the second goal penetrated the defence and passed Kolar. Kolar scored without a problem to an open net. More than five thousand people in home crowd was chanting to Pilsen play. Viktoria had some other scoring opportunities but score did not change. "We wanted to play an attractive, open football. But it was a naive strategy from me," claimed Miroslav Soukup, coach of away team. Pilsen coach Vrba praised players for the first half. "Twenty minutes of the first half was maybe our best part in the season. The start of the second half was not good from us." said Pavel Vrba.

Pilsen defeated Slavia Praha as well

Pilsen team succeeded also in the second match in summer Tipsport Cup. After an easy victory over Chomutov Pilsen claimed a victory in Prague on Thursday. Both teams started actively and Sklenar had the first opportunity, but away team took the lead. Kracik passed between circles and Lukas Hvila hit the bull´s eye. Pilsen team created a few scoring opportunities but goalie Kopriva closed the door. Praguers tied in the 11th minute. Tomas Svoboda shot right between Prikryl´s pads. Pilsen team did not use a two-man advantage in the middle of the match but scored five minutes later. Jaroslav Kracik caged a goal after a fast breakout and Hvila´s assistance. In the last period, also Slavia did not use a double numercial superiority. Michal Tvrdik drew a line under the match in the 47th minute and Pilsen won in Prague 3:1. Pilsen has not lost in the Cup yet.

A cyclocross legend died

A shocking message came from Kamenice by Prague on Tuesday. Former outstanding cyclocross racer Radomir Simunek died at the age of 48. His wife confirmed this sad message. Simunek used to be a Czech cyclocross icon in the eighties and nineties. He won World Championship among juniors in 1980 and gained two gold medals among adult amateurs. The height of Simunek´s career was the title among professionals in 1991. Thanks to the title Simunek won the traditional survey "The sportsman of the year".

Astana is interested in Kreuziger

Allegedly, the best Czech cyclist Roman Kreuziger is heading for Kazakh racing stable Astana. Kreuziger, 9th cyclist of recent Tour de France, has been raced for Italian team Liquigas. Chcichi, Qunziato, Bennati, Vanotti and Sabatini will probably leave Liquigas. Pilsner racer could take Contador´s place in Astana. Spanish phenomenal racer signed a two-year contract for Saxo Bank. Astana´s chief Vinokurov said: "We are interested in Kreuziger and Mensov." Brothers Andy and Frank Schleck are also a possibility.

Pilsen entered Tipsport Cup successfully

Pilsner hockey players entered the traditional summer Tipsport Cup well. They beaten first-league Chomutov clearly 4:1. Moreover, 30 crowns from each ticket will help flooded areas. Dominik Halmosi appeared in the Pilsen cage because Salficky and Prikryl had small muscle problems. On the other side, Pilsen legend Martin Straka, Modry and Kracik appeared in the Pilsen line-up. Home Pilsen started very actively and created a few scoring chances. Martin Herman scored from a sharp angle. Away team had a chance a few minutes later but they did not use a two-man advantage. Zdenek Skorepa shot to a half-empty net but Halmosi made an incredible save. Pilsen increased the lead in a powerplay. Kovar passed on the blue line and veteran Modry fired a shot past Hanuljak. In the 18th minute rookie Petruska hit the bull´s eye. It was his first goal among adults. Home team was unconcentrated on the start of the second period and Duda cut the lead by two goals. Two minutes later Michal Tvrdik took the last goal in the match down. Pilsen had the match under the control. 1522 onlookers wanted the fifth goal but the score did not change. Pilsen team left three rookies after the clash: Lev (Hradec Kralove), Pitule (Jihlava) and Halmosi (Tabor).

Viktoria beaten Hradec Kralove and still leads the league

Pilsner footballers are in a very good form in this season. Viktoria won in Hradec Kralove in the third league round and still reign the Czech top league. Pilsner coach Vrba made two changes in the line-up. Tichacek guarded the goal instead of Krbecek and experienced Sevinsky played instead of injured Bystron. The first goal opportunity in the bout had home team, but Pilar hit the post. Then Pilsen had a few chances. In the 33th minute Pilar missed the net from a free kick. Viktoria scored eight minutes before the full time. After Horvath´s cross-kick Rada oriented best in the traffic in front of the net - 0:1. Rezek burried penalty kick on start of the second half - 0:2. Hradec Kralove created a lot of scoring opportunities but goalkeeper Tichacek was outstanding. Moreover, sniper Rezek netted his fourth goal in this season in the 82th minute - 0:3. Both coaches said that utilization of scoring chances was the biggest difference. "Hradec played well but did not use its chances," claimed Pilsner coach Vrba. "Our opponent used its opportunities great. We gave them too much space," said Hradec´s coach Kotal.

Pilsen ended in European league after they had lost in Istanbul hell

FC Viktoria Plzen entered the European Cup after long 39 years but their taking part already ended in the third qualification round. After a tie in home match in Prague Pilsen was beaten in rematch in Istanbul. 31 000 home supporters watched a big pressure of home team at the beginning. Pilsen goalie Krbecek cought Delgado´s shot from a free kick. A few minutes later Quaresma broke through the defense but Bystron saved the Pilsen team. Then away team had a few goal opportunities. Kolar blew the biggest scoring opportunity after Jiracek´s cross-kick. Very important situation happened after half an hour. Pilsner defense made a mistake and Quaresma was fouled by Navratil. The referee sent him off the pitch. Besiktas made use of one-man advantage and Portugal star Quaresma scored the first goal. Then the top scorer in the club history Bobo hit the Pilsen goalie from penalty area. In injury time of the first half Jiracek was in a breakway but home goaltender Arikan made a brilliant save. In the 52nd minute Pilsen´s hope faded away. Quaresma was free to pitch and after Limbersky´s faul Pilsen ended the match with nine men. Quaresma, the best player on the pitch, found with a cross-kick absolutely unmarked Delgado – 2:0. The last hit to Pilsen team inflicted Filip Holosko from twenty meters. Pilsen coach Vrba was disappointed. “I am disappointed. Our big mistake and the foul decided the winner.“

Viktoria leads the league after victory over Bohemians

Viktoria Plzen footballers manage the role of favourite and defeated Bohemians Praha 1905 2:1. Both teams did not lose yet. Pilsen did not enforced the pressure because the Bohemians´s defense played without a mistake. First scoring opportunity had home team in the 37th minute. Pilsen captain Horvath shot from a free kick and Bohemians goaltender Marek made a reflexive save and then Jiracek hit the post. The home team took the lead in the closing of the half. Daniel Kolar scored after a brilliant Jiracek´s pass. Pilsen had a few chances in the second half. Scoreline changed after Horvath´s banana kick from a free kick. Bench Nespor scored a goal seven minutes before full time. Experienced home players maintained their lead. Viktoria Plzen reigns the Czech league after three rounds.

Quinzi and De Vroome fought out the European gold

European Championship U14 in Pilsen ended with Sunday´s final matches. “Two best boys and girls of each European country can play in this tournament. The Czech Republic such as hosting country puts four both boys and girls.“ Said manager of Slavia Pilsen Kovarik. Czech players Routa, Stanek, Rohanova and Dvorakova stood out at last year championship. Only Katerina Siniakova (TK Sparta Praha) was succeeded from Czech players in 2010 championship. This talented girl played well on the recent Ex Pilsen Wilson Cup. She went through the draw to the final. On Sunday match Siniakova was beaten 3:6,3:6 by De Vroome from the Netherlands. De Vroome moved better than her opponent during the whole match and Czech player was under the pressure. Other girls did not break through. Among boys, Czech players, Chyba, Krstev and Poljak, were early knocked out. Pilsner hope Dominik Stary lost in the first round to Windahl from Sweden. Boys final between two Italians (12-seeded Baldi and top seeded Quinzi) was the clear issue. Quinzi holds the first position on the European ranking U14 and defeated his mate Baldi easily 6:2,6:1. Boys doubles won Gresk and Majchrzak from Poland, among girls Cascin with Tanfin from France.

Viktoria Pilsen won after a crushing beginning

Viktoria Plzen´s footballers succeeded in their second season match. They led twice in the second league round and maintained their lead in dramatic end of the match. Pilsen started at a brisk pace and Jan Rezek scored after a thirty seconds of the bout! Another hit was dealt by David Limbersky´s amazing shot in the third minute. Home team returned to the match in the 19th minute. Agile Keric scored after Krbecek´s bad putting the ball into play. Both teams played sharply, even five footballers saw yellow card. Liberec started actively the second half but Keric and Papousek blew their scoring opportunities. Jan Rezek scored the winning goal after home back Fleisman felt on the grass, probably due to a cramp. Irritated home footballers returned to the match once more. Bosancic buried penalty kick twenty minutes before the end. Viktoria held the lead and gained three points for the standings.