Soccer-Czechs down Poland 3-1 in Euro qualifier thanks to quick-fire goals

Soccer Football - UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers - Group E - Czech Republic v Poland - Fortuna Stadium, Prague, Czech Republic - March 24, 2023 Czech Republic's Alex Kral celebrates with Jan Kuchta after the match REUTERS/David W Cerny

PRAGUE (Reuters) - Two goals within the first three minutes and a second-half Jan Kuchta strike helped the Czech Republic to cruise past Poland 3-1 in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier on Friday.

The Czechs ruined the debut of Poland manager Fernando Santos by netting their first goal just 27 seconds after kickoff in the Group E encounter, with Ladislav Krejci out-jumping a Polish defender to head home Vladimir Coufal's long throw in.