Patrik Schick winner gives Czech Republic first points in Nations League

A late header by substitute Patrik Schick gave Czech Republic a 2-1 win over neighbouring Slovakia on Saturday, earning the visitors their first points in the Nations League.

Slovakia had squandered chances before the 22-year-old Roma forward provided the decisive moment in the 76th minute when he scored from captain Borek Dockal's cross.

The goal came minutes after Schick had replaced Michael Krmencik, who scored the first goal of the match after 52 minutes when he held off his marker and side-footed home following a through ball from Dockal.

Slovakia responded minutes later when Marek Hamsik, winning a record 108th cap, smashed a rebound into an empty goal after Czech keeper Tomas Vaclik had done well to save an Adam Nemec header from a corner.

All the goals came after an even opening half in which Slovakia controlled possession but the Czechs had the best chance when Matej Vydra's volley from the edge of the box was tipped onto the post in the ninth minute.

The League B Group 1 match also marked former national team assistant Jaroslav Silhavy's first game in charge of the Czechs since replacing Karel Jarolim following the 5-1 defeat to Russia in September.

Ukraine top the group after beating Slovakia 1-0 at home and coming from behind to snatch a 2-1 away victory over Czech Republic.