PRAGUE, Czech Republic — The Czech Republic’s preparations for the European Championship suffered a setback with a 2-1 defeat against South Korea in the final warmup match on Sunday.
The Czechs were reduced to 10 men half an hour from time after defender Theodor Gebre Selassie received his second yellow card.
Yoon Bit-garam netted the opening goal in the 26th minute with a perfectly executed free kick off the underside of the bar and Suk Hyun-jun doubled the lead on a quick counter-attack in the 40th.
"(South Korea) pressured us in the first half and we were not able to cope with that," Czech Republic coach Pavel Vrba said. "Our game improved in the second, even though we were in 10 (men). But I would prefer to win, I’m not happy we lost."
Substitute Marek Suchy reduced the deficit with a drive from 35 metres that was deflected by a defender into the net just seconds into the second half.
Gebre Selassie came close to equalizing nine minutes before he was sent off after he hit the South Korean post.
At Euro 2016, the Czechs open against defending champion Spain on June 13. Croatia and Turkey are also in Group D.
Spain routed South Korea 6-1 Wednesday.
