Bilek lauds winning Czech players

Czech Republic's players greeted their fans at the final whistle

Michal Bilek praised his players for a 1-0 victory over Scotland that eased the pressure on his job as head coach with the Czech Republic.

"We played patiently, with a lot of effort," he said after the Czechs secured their first points in their Euro 2012 qualifying group.

"I appreciate the commitment on the part of our players.

"Our effort and determination were rewarded with a goal and we are very happy with the three points."

Bilek had described the Scots' style as "unpleasant" after his side lost a friendly at Hampden in May and this time Scotland coach Craig Levein went out to frustrate even more.

Levein had adopted an ultra-defensive formation without an out-and-out striker, the possibility of which Bilek had rejected when asked prior to the match when their opponents' formation was leaked to a newspaper.

The Scotland coach hoped that securing at least a point would put Bilek and his players, who opened the campaign with a disappointing home defeat by Lithuania, in a difficult position in terms of qualifying.

However, the Czech coach declared himself pleased "with how the players handled the game under pressure".

Defeating the Scots puts the Czechs one point behind their opponents but with a game in hand.

Spain now lead the group with six points, two points ahead of Scotland and Lithuania with a game in hand, after defeating the Lithuanians 3-1.