MLADA BOLESLAV: The Czech Republic made a winning start under new coach Karel Jarolim with a 3-0 victory over Armenia in a warm-up game on Wednesday ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Ladislav Krejci netted four minutes into the game, Vaclav Kadlec doubled the lead 30 minutes later and Jan Kopic finished the scoring three minutes from time. Jarolim, who took over after the European Championship, has to rebuild after several key players, including Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech and Bordeaux midfielder Jaroslav Plasil retired from international football after the tournament in France. As part of that rebuilding, Jarolim sent on 11 substitutes immediately after interval. On Sunday, the Czechs will open their World Cup qualifying campaign against Northern Ireland, while Armenia travels to Denmark.