A 35-year-old foreign visitor nearly lost over CZK 200,000 during a night out in Prague, after unknowingly paying an astronomical sum for a short taxi ride.

He discovered the charge only the next morning and, with the help of local police, was able to recover the money.

The incident occurred between Friday night and early Saturday morning, when the tourist, returning from a bar, took a taxi from Melantrichova Street to a nearby hotel. He quickly paid by card at the hotel and went straight to bedโ€”unaware of what had just happened.

When he woke up and checked his account, he was stunned to see a charge of CZK 202,202. Shaken, he turned to the hotel receptionist for help, who promptly called the police.

The tourist couldnโ€™t recall the exact details of the ride or the car. โ€œThe driver was older, thin, had grey hair, and didnโ€™t speak English well,โ€ said police spokesperson Jiล™ina Ernestovรก, quoting the manโ€™s account. The tourist believed it was an honest mistake rather than a scam.

Using surveillance footage and knowledge of the area, Pragueโ€™s Taxi Team officers managed to locate the driver near the bar where the man had started his journey. After confirming that the full amount had indeed been credited to the driverโ€™s account, the taxi driver agreed to cooperate.

Under police supervision, the driver accompanied officers back to the hotel, where he personally apologized to the guest and returned the entire sum.

โ€œI knew it had to be a mistakeโ€”the amount was just too specific,โ€ the tourist said in defense of the driver. The total, 202,202 crowns, suggested to him that it was a payment input error.

Still, this case ended on a positive note. The grateful tourist, relieved and smiling, praised the officersโ€™ swift response. โ€œGuys, thank you so much. Best police Iโ€™ve ever seenโ€”100 percent,โ€ he said, jokingly adding, โ€œWhen youโ€™re off duty, letโ€™s grab a beer.โ€

He flew home the next day.

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A section of Vltava River was dyed red on Tuesday, May 13th, in a protest action by two activist groupsโ€”StopGenocidevGaze and BOLT958โ€”to draw attention to the war in Gaza and Czechiaโ€™s continued political support for Israel.

Alongside the symbolic colouring of the water near Kampa Island, demonstrators hung a large 30-metre banner reading โ€œSTOP THE GENOCIDE โ€“ BOYCOTT ISRAELโ€.

The groups behind the protest accused the Czech government of ignoring war crimes in Gaza and suppressing public discourse.

โ€œThe Czech Republic continues to support a regime that is committing war crimes, including the ethnic cleansing of civilians,โ€ the groups said in a statement. They referenced the International Court of Justiceโ€™s ongoing investigation into genocide allegations and the International Criminal Courtโ€™s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

They claim that Czech leaders are either ignoring calls for action or actively silencing critical voices. โ€œThatโ€™s why we chose a different way to raise awarenessโ€”by disrupting the routine in the historic heart of Prague,โ€ the statement added.

Organisers stressed that the red dye used in the river is environmentally safe. The colour, they said, symbolises the blood of civilians killed in the Israeli military campaign.

According to a recent Lancet report, as many as 186,000 people may have died in Gaza between October 2023 and September 2024. This number includes deaths not only from direct attacks but also from starvation, untreated injuries, and a collapsed health system.

The Prague protest was part of a wider series of international symbolic actions.

Recently, Greenpeace UK members poured red dye into a pond outside the U.S. Embassy in London, targeting American arms sales to Israel. Similar protests have taken place in Barcelona, Paris, and Amsterdam, using the colour red to symbolise civilian deaths.

The Prague-based collective StopGenocidevGaze was formed in March 2024, when it disrupted the reopening of the National Gallery to protest the silence of cultural institutions.

A few months later, during the Matter of Art Biennale, the group installed an olive tree in the gallery and left it to witherโ€”representing the fading lives of Palestinians under siege.

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Hosting a stage of the Tour de France in the Czech Republic is no longer just a dream discussed behind closed doors โ€” itโ€™s now a real possibility.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala confirmed on Tuesday that the country is open to negotiating the chance to host the raceโ€™s Grand Dรฉpart, the prestigious opening stage of the worldโ€™s most famous cycling event.

Speaking at the National Conference on the Promotion of Sport and Movement, Fiala said, โ€œWeโ€™ve shown that we can organize tournaments at the highest level. Thereโ€™s no reason to hesitate. I can confirm that the Czech Republic is prepared to negotiate the opportunity to host the Grand Dรฉpart of the Tour de France.โ€

While the idea has been informally floated for years, it gained new momentum after former footballer Petr ฤŒech โ€” whose agency Petr ฤŒech Sport helps organize cycling events โ€” publicly voiced his support.

This summer, Tour legends Bradley Wiggins and Andy Schleck will be racing in the Czech Republic during the Lโ€™Etape Czech Republic by Tour de France series, further highlighting the countryโ€™s growing ties to the iconic race.

Beyond cycling, Fiala expressed interest in co-hosting major football tournaments, such as the UEFA European Championship. โ€œI believe we would make excellent co-organizers,โ€ he said. โ€œOur sports development strategies should move in this direction, even if it feels like a distant goal for now.โ€

For that ambition to become reality, however, Czechia will need to invest in larger stadiums. Plans are already underway: Sparta Prague aims to build a new 35,000-seat stadium in Strahov, expected to be completed within the next ten years. Meanwhile, Slavia Prague is planning to expand its existing stands.

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Want to spend your Saturday doing something meaningful, active, and fun?

Join INEX on Saturday, May 17, for a special Volunteer Day at the Bohemia Farm Studio in Vysokรก, Kokoล™รญnsko โ€” one of the Czech Republicโ€™s most scenic and culturally rich areas.

Organised by INEX โ€“ Association for Voluntary Activities, the event offers an ideal way to explore the Czech countryside while contributing to a local independent cultural project.

Bohemia Farm Studio, located in a picturesque rural setting near the Kokoล™รญnsko Protected Landscape Area, is a space for artists, creators, and the public to connect through art, education, and nature.

During the day, volunteers will support the venue with light renovation and maintenance work โ€” including painting, sanding, and removing old plaster, both indoors and outside. No experience is necessary; just bring your energy and a willingness to help.

But itโ€™s not just about manual work. Participants will also get a behind-the-scenes look at how an international independent cultural center functions, meet like-minded people, and enjoy the relaxed, creative environment.

The event is being held in partnership with a local professional photographer and teacher, who will be present to share insights and stories about the project and the area.

And yes โ€” there might be a campfire in the evening. Itโ€™s not just a day of work; itโ€™s a chance to unwind, socialize, and experience something different from the usual city weekend.

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Condor has launched a new connection between Prague and Frankfurt, unlocking significantly cheaper flights to the United States and beyond.

For years, flying from Prague to New York typically cost around CZK 10,000, and that was considered a good deal. Occasionally, lucky travelers could grab discounted tickets for CZK 7,000โ€”but only with inconvenient dates and limited availability.

That has now changed.

German airline Condor has introduced a new daily route from Prague to Frankfurt, creating a direct gateway to long-haul flights across the Atlantic. With this new option, travelers can book roundtrip tickets to New York starting at just CZK 7,000โ€”a price thatโ€™s become much more accessible. The total journey takes just over 11 hours, including the transfer in Frankfurt.

By comparison, Delta Airlines, which offers a direct seasonal route between Prague and New York (May to October), charges around CZK 13,000.

More Than Just the U.S.: Caribbean, Africa, Asia

Condor began operating its Pragueโ€“Frankfurt route in early May. From Frankfurt, travelers gain access to destinations across North America, South America, Africa, and Asia, including the Maldives, Seychelles, Thailand, and South Africa. Panama City is also now reachable, making it a new starting point for exploring Latin America.

The connection to Frankfurt is served twice daily with an Airbus A320ceo, offering up to 180 seats per flight. Return fares between Prague and Frankfurt start at around CZK 3,500, significantly cheaper than Lufthansaโ€™s average CZK 8,000 for the same route.

Condor: A Growing Airline With Global Reach

Condor, known for its distinctive green-and-white striped planes, has been flying since 1956 and now serves approximately 70 global destinations. The airline provides economy and business class on shorter routes, and offers premium economy on long-haul flights.

This year, in addition to expanding operations in Prague, Condor has also launched new routes in Rome, Palermo, Milan, Vienna, Zurich, Paris, Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich.

 

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Czechiaโ€™s national hockey team delivered a dominant performance Monday night, beating hosts Denmark 7-2 at the World Championship in Herning.

The win keeps Czechia undefeated in the tournament so far, boosting confidence ahead of the next matches.

Star players like Martin Neฤas and David Pastrลˆรกk stood out, with Neฤas scoring twice and Pastrลˆรกk adding a goal and two assists. Captain Roman ฤŒervenka also found the net, along with goals from Lukรกลก Sedlรกk, Daniel Gazda, and Daniel Voลพenรญlek.

The Czech team controlled the second period, scoring four goals to take a commanding lead. Denmark managed to respond with two goals in the second and third periods, but it wasnโ€™t enough to threaten the result.

In goal for Czechia, Daniel Vladaล™ impressed in his first start of the tournament with 29 saves. Denmarkโ€™s goalkeeper Frederik Dichow had a tougher evening, facing relentless pressure from the Czech offense.

The home crowd in Herning gave Denmark strong support, but the hosts have now lost all three of their games and are still searching for a win.

Theyโ€™ll play Kazakhstan next. Czechia, meanwhile, will face Hungary on Thursday.

 

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Despite a rise in available jobs, the Czech Republicโ€™s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.3% in April, signaling structural mismatches in the labor market.

The unemployment rate in the Czech Republic stayed at 4.3% in April, the same as in March, according to data released by the Czech Labour Office (รšล™ad prรกce ฤŒR) on Monday.

While the overall number of people without work fell slightly, the labor market remains under pressure from sectoral imbalances and low demand in key industries.

By the end of April, 318,540 people were officially unemployed, down by about 3,600 compared to the previous month.

However, the number of registered job vacancies increased by 4,046 to 95,798. Compared to April 2023, the unemployment rate has risen by 0.6 percentage points, up from 3.7%.

Economists had predicted that unemployment would drop slightly due to seasonal hiring in agriculture and construction. Instead, stagnation in other sectors, especially manufacturing, appears to have offset those gains.

Regional Disparities Persist

The รšstรญ nad Labem Region reported the highest unemployment rate in April at 6.6%, followed by the Moravian-Silesian Region (6%) and the Karlovy Vary Region (5.4%). On the opposite end, Prague recorded just 3.1% unemployment.

While unemployment rose slightlyโ€”by 0.1 percentage pointโ€”in Prague and Karlovy Vary, it either remained stable or decreased in the rest of the country.

Among specific districts, Most (9.4%) and Karvinรก (8.9%) had the highest jobless rates. In contrast, unemployment was below 3% in Prague-East, Prague-West, Rychnov nad Knฤ›ลพnou, Pelhล™imov, Zlรญn, Beneลกov, and Jiฤรญn.

The sharpest month-on-month increases were seen in Karvinรก, Teplice, ฤŒeskรก Lรญpa, and Sokolov. Year-on-year, the worst performers were Most, Sokolov, ฤŒeskรก Lรญpa, and Vsetรญn.

Job Seekers Outnumber Vacancies in Some Regions

On average, there are 3.3 job seekers for every open position. But in places like Karvinรก, nearly 24 people compete for a single vacancyโ€”a stark contrast that highlights regional economic disparities.

According to Labour Office data, employers are currently seeking:

  • Construction workers
  • Forklift operators and warehouse staff
  • Cooks, assembly line workers, truck and tractor drivers, and cleaners

However, officials caution that vacancy data from the Labour Office does not fully represent the private market, as many positions are filled outside the official registry.

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Get ready for a mind-blowing virtual reality adventure like no other.

Zero Latency, the world leader in free-roam VR, has officially landed in Prague, bringing a new level of immersive entertainment to the heart of Europe.

Unlike traditional VR where youโ€™re tethered to cables or standing still, Zero Latency Prague lets you move freely through massive virtual worlds โ€” completely wireless โ€” alongside your friends, colleagues, or family.

From surviving zombie outbreaks to navigating space stations and alien planets, Zero Latencyโ€™s co-op VR games deliver unforgettable thrills for groups of up to 8 players. Whether youโ€™re planning a team-building event, a birthday party, or just looking for a next-level experience, Zero Latency Prague is the place to be.

โ€œWeโ€™re incredibly proud to bring Zero Latency to Prague. Itโ€™s more than just a game โ€“ itโ€™s a full-body, full-sensory adventure that connects people and creates unforgettable memories,โ€ said the team behind Zero Latency Prague.

Located in the ฤŒernรก Labuลฅ building at Na Poล™รญฤรญ 25, Prague 1, the award-winning company is the Czech Republicโ€™s very first free-roam VR arena. The facility offers an expansive 150 square meters of open VR space, designed to allow players to explore, move, and interact simultaneously inside virtual worlds.

Players wear lightweight VR headsets and wield controllers, but there are no cables, no backpacks, and no static positions. This setup enhances immersion while eliminating the common discomforts of conventional VR systems, such as motion sickness. Thanks to cutting-edge 5K graphics, spatial audio, and near-zero latency, players find themselves physically and mentally transported into another dimension.

Donโ€™t worry, to ensure safety during gameplay, the system includes in-game alerts to warn players when theyโ€™re getting too close to another person or a wall.

Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and flat, secure footwear. While wearing glasses is technically possible, the venue recommends contact lenses if available, as headsets may not fit comfortably over all frames.

Zero Latency Prague offers a diverse catalog of game scenarios, developed by leading studios and tailored specifically for Zero Latency. Each game lasts from 15 to 45 minutes and satisfies different preferences and age groups. Players can choose from seven unique game scenarios, including โ€˜Outbreak,โ€™ โ€˜Far Cry VR,โ€™ and โ€˜Singularity.โ€™ One title, โ€˜Space Marine VR,โ€™ features three different game modes โ€” making for a total of nine distinct gameplay experiences. Whether youโ€™re fending off zombies or navigating sci-fi landscapes, thereโ€™s a game for every taste.

To satisfy every customer, non-violent adventures are available with โ€˜Engineerium.โ€™ The game is kid-friendly, suitable for players with limited mobility and has been successfully enjoyed by wheelchair users.

Arenaโ€™s interior features custom sculptures and installations by renowned artist Jakub ฤŒavoj, blurring the lines between reality and fiction from the moment you walk in.

Afterward, as the venue also features a bar area, guests can enjoy a drink. Non-alcoholic refreshments and local beers are available.

Zero Latency was born in Australia in 2015 and has since grown into a global phenomenon. With locations in over 25 countries โ€“ from the USA and Japan to Spain and Germany โ€“ the concept is trusted and loved worldwide.

In 2024, Zero Latency finally arrived in Prague, bringing with it a world-class VR experience that was previously unavailable in the Czech Republic

Opening Hours

Zero Latency Prague is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday.

Bookings

Due to high demand and limited daily capacity, online booking is strongly recommended.

Pricing

Ticket prices vary based on the time and type of experience. Each booking includes a 10โ€“15-minute safety briefing, followed by the reserved gameplay session. Special pricing may apply for select games.

You can also find Zero Latency on Instagram and Facebook.

Come play, move, and explore. This is virtual reality, untethered.

 

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This weekโ€™s weather in the Czech Republic will bring a mix of sunny days, cold nights, and occasional showers, according to the Czech Hydrometeorological Institute (ฤŒHMรš).

High pressure over northern and later northwestern Europe will dominate Central Europeโ€™s weather pattern. However, a weak trough from the north is expected to bring temporary changes on Thursday.

Monday: Sunny but Frosty Morning

Monday will be mostly clear, with light winds and minimal cloud cover. Night temperatures will fall between 5ยฐC and 1ยฐC, with ground-level frost in many areas โ€” especially where skies remain clear and winds are calm. In some low-lying spots, temperatures may dip to -2ยฐC. Daytime highs will range from 13ยฐC to 18ยฐC.

Tuesday: A Repeat of Monday

Expect another clear to partly cloudy day on Tuesday. Morning frost will return, with night temperatures again between 5ยฐC and 1ยฐC. Daytime highs will rise slightly, reaching 14ยฐC to 19ยฐC. Winds will be light to moderate, mostly from the northeast or north.

Wednesday: Showers in the East

Wednesday will continue with mostly sunny skies, but occasional showers are likely in the northeast and east of the country. Overnight lows will be between 6ยฐC and 2ยฐC, and once again, patchy frost may occur. Daytime temperatures will peak between 17ยฐC and 21ยฐC.

Thursday: Cloudier, Cooler

The weather will turn cloudier on Thursday, especially in the northeast, where showers are likely. Nighttime temperatures will stay slightly milder, ranging from 10ยฐC to 6ยฐC, while daytime highs will drop to 14ยฐC to 18ยฐC, and around 12ยฐC in the northeast. Winds will shift to come from the northwest, reaching speeds of 2 to 6 m/s.

Friday to Sunday: Stable Spring Weather

The weekend outlook suggests cloudy to partly cloudy skies, with isolated showers possible. Night temperatures will range between 7ยฐC and 2ยฐC, while days should feel pleasantly warm, with highs between 15ยฐC and 20ยฐC.

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Architecture and design are being redefinedโ€”not by aesthetics alone, but by the urgent global need for transformation.

Thatโ€™s the premise behind PULSE Ostrava 2025, Central Europeโ€™s largest architecture and design event, returning May 15โ€“16 under the theme โ€œRESTARTโ€.

Held in the industrial space of Dolnรญ Vรญtkovice, this third edition of the PULSE Festival will explore how creative disciplines can adapt to social, ecological, and economic shifts.

More than 1,000 professionalsโ€”from architects and designers to business leaders and city plannersโ€”will gather to discuss how architecture can respond to todayโ€™s fast-changing world with resilience, flexibility, and innovation.

Unlike traditional conferences, PULSE brings together theory and practice. Visionary architects will share the stage with developers, investors, and policymakers from across Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, fostering cross-border collaboration. Most events will take place inside the stunning GONG Hall, a symbol of Ostravaโ€™s own architectural renewal.

Beyond the talks, PULSE will feature interactive exhibitions and installations that blend architecture, design, and technology. These works will highlight how design can offer solutionsโ€”and hopeโ€”in an uncertain world.

PULSE Ostrava 2025

Day 1 โ€“ May 15: From Product Design to Architecture

This day will follow the journey from small-scale design to full architectural vision. Topics include circular design, material innovation, and sustainability in everyday living.

Confirmed speakers include Patrick Norguet (FR), Eva Jiล™iฤnรก (CZ), Pavol Paลˆรกk (SK), Oskar Ziฤ™ta (PL), Marco Dessi (AT), Kickie Chudikova (SK), Michael Vasku (AT/CZ), Lenka Mรญkovรก (CZ), Stephan Vary (AT), and Bรกlazs Falvai (HU).

Day 2 โ€“ May 16: Architecture & Urbanism

From adaptive reuse to regenerative cities, this day will tackle how architecture can make our cities more resilient, inclusive, and ready for the future. Urban planners and civic leaders will discuss transforming public space amid climate and social change.

Key speakers include Winy Maas (NL), Matรบลก Vallo (SK), JEMS Architekci (PL), Kryลกtof Chybรญk (CZ), Querkraft Architekten (AT), ZeroZero (SK), Tomazs Konior (PL), Lรฉptรฉk architects (HU), LAAB Architects (HK), David Basulto (CL), and Ivan Blasi (ES).

New This Year: The Forbes Stage

A new addition to the festival, the FORBES Stage will host live interviews and panels moderated by Forbes editors from Central Europe. This second stage is designed to offer a more informal, engaging experience for participants who want to go deeper into key topics.

Tickets and program details are available at www.pulse.archi/ostrava

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Czech President Petr Pavel used an address on VE Day to remember all soldiers who died in the Second World War, including Soviet troops, but insisted that Russiaโ€™s history does not excuse its modern-day aggression, comparing its recent behavior to Nazi Germany.

Ahead of a commemorative concert marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, Czech President Petr Pavel warned that modern-day Russia is displaying behavior reminiscent of Nazi Germany and called on citizens to vote for parties committed to national and democratic security.

โ€œUnfortunately, todayโ€™s Russia behaves in some respects as Nazi Germany once did,โ€ Pavel said on Thursday.

โ€œIt does not respect international law, it respects the right of the strongest, it has invaded a sovereign country and has been waging an aggressive war for more than three years,โ€ referencing Russiaโ€™s invasion of Ukraine.

Pavel also paid tribute to those who fought against fascism and imperial aggression during the Second World War, including Soviet soldiers, but emphasized that honoring their sacrifice does not extend to defending the present-day Russian regime. โ€œIt does not mean respect for todayโ€™s Russia at all,โ€ he said.

In a message posted to social media earlier in the day, Pavel reflected on the historical significance of Victory in Europe Day, noting that โ€œWorld War II marked the lives of millions of people and showed how far hatred and division in society can lead.โ€ He warned of the tendency to forget historyโ€™s lessons, urging Czechs to remember those who โ€œfought against oppression and injustice, and who often paid the ultimate price for our freedom.โ€

Pavel praised Czechiaโ€™s unwavering condemnation of Russian aggression since the invasion of Ukraine began, framing it as a moral and strategic obligation rooted in the lessons of the 20th century. โ€œAuthoritarians and aggressors must not be appeased,โ€ he said. โ€œWe must look at today through this lens.โ€

As reported by Echo24, the president also warned about domestic threats to democracy, citing rising authoritarian tendencies within Czechia. He criticized efforts to rewrite or distort history, noting that even on Thursday in Prague, rallies were held where โ€œhistory was distorted.โ€ He was referring to demonstrations by the right-wing SPD and its allies in the Old Town Square in protest at increased defense spending.

Tomio Okamuraโ€™s party, which is more aligned with the official Hungarian and Slovak position on the war in Ukraine, called for immediate peace through a deal between Russia and the United States.

At a separate event, anti-government activist Ladislav Vrabel accused Czechiaโ€™s establishment politicians and media outlets of inciting anti-Russian sentiment and preparing the country for war.

Pavel concluded his address with a call for civic vigilance. โ€œIf we go to the polls this autumn, we need to vote wisely, to vote for politicians and parties that will be serious about security in our country,โ€ he said.

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Defending champion Czech Republic prevailed in overtime to open the menโ€™s ice hockey world championship with a 5-4 victory over Switzerland on Friday in a rematch of last yearโ€™s final.

Czechia began their title defense at the 2025 Ice Hockey World Championship with a dramatic 5โ€“4 overtime win against Switzerland. The game, played in Stockholm as part of the Sweden-Denmark co-hosted tournament, was a rollercoaster of goals, missed chances, and special teams play.

Switzerland struck early, with Christian Marti opening the scoring just two minutes into the game. Later in the first period, David Pastrลˆรกk had a chance to level the score from a penalty shot but failed to convert. The miss proved costly when Damien Riat doubled the Swiss lead just 32 seconds later.

Czechia responded at the very end of the opening period. With a 5-on-3 power play opportunity, Matฤ›j Strรกnskรฝ found the back of the net just 19 seconds before the buzzer, narrowing the deficit to 2โ€“1.

The second period belonged to Radim Rulรญkโ€™s squad. In the 27th minute, Filip Zadina tied the game with a confident finish. Just nine minutes later, Filip Pyrochta gave Czechia the lead with a sharp shot from the slot.

But Switzerland fought back in the third. Sandro Schmid scored a power play goal in the 42nd minute, and Sven Andrighetto added another at even strength in the 49th to make it 4โ€“3 for the Swiss.

As the clock ticked down, Czechia pushed hard and finally capitalized on a late power play. With less than four minutes to go, Lukรกลก Sedlรกk tied the game at 4โ€“4, forcing overtime.

The decisive moment came in extra time. Team captain Roman ฤŒervenka, who had already assisted twice during the game, delivered the winning goal, clinching a vital extra point in Group B standings.

Czechiaโ€™s next challenge comes on Sunday at 20:20, when they face Norway.

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