Ladra and Hlozek score as Czech Republic beat Kosovo before Mexico trip

Eager to make an impact in their second-last match before travelling to North America for the World Cup, Miroslav Koubek's side burst out of the starting blocks and took the lead against Kosovo inside 12 minutes.

A miscued shot from David Doudera in the box landed perfectly for an unmarked Ladra, who calmly headed the ball past Arijanet Muric for his first international goal.

Kosovo, who had won their previous three away matches, responded well to the early setback. Veldin Hodza saw a low shot smartly saved by Lukas Hornicek.

This revived the hosts, and they doubled their lead shortly after the half-hour mark. Hoffenheim forward Hlozek powered into the box from Mojmir Chytil's pass and finished expertly into the far corner. 

Both Czech scorers were replaced at half-time as Koubek made several changes. The visitors looked to capitalise early in the second half, with Mergim Vojvoda seeing a powerful drive tipped over the bar by Hornicek.

The Czech Republic continued to control the game as the final half-hour approached, and they came close to a third when Christophe Kabongo's low strike was saved by Muric.

Kosovo did not give up without a fight, and the visitors reduced the deficit in the 80th minute through substitute Lindon Emerllahu, who was in the right place at the right time to turn in a rebound from close range into an empty net.

This set up a tense finale for the hosts. Despite a late disallowed goal for Kabongo, they held firm and secured the victory, extending their impressive unbeaten home run that dates back to September 2022.