Friendlies Ireland's Group D opponents: Republic of Ireland's Group D rivals the Czech Republic were lucky to draw with Denmark in a friendly international in Prague last night.

Milan Baros scored in injury time to help the Czechs salvage a 1-1 draw. The Aston Villa striker headed in the equaliser from close range, scoring his 30th goal in 53 international appearances.

Peter Loevenkrands put Denmark ahead via a solo effort in the 28th minute after beating defenders Tomas Ujfalusi and David Rozehnal in the area and then goalkeeper Marek Cech with a left-footer from 10 metres.

Daniel Jensen could have made it 2-0 in the 90th minute but Cech dived to his right to push his penalty kick to the post.

Both teams were missing a number of regular starters. The Czechs were without injured striker Jan Koller, Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky and AC Milan defender Marek Jankulovski.

Meanwhile, an early strike by Marek Mintal and goals from Marek Sapara and Miroslav Karhan secured Slovakia a 3-1 win over Bulgaria in a friendly clash to hand new coach Jan Kocian a winning start yesterday. Ireland play Slovenia at home in Group D on May 28th.

Kocian, who replaced Dusan Galis earlier this month, saw his side dominate as only some fine saves from goalkeeper Dimitar Ivankov prevented Bulgaria slipping to a heavier defeat.

The home side went in front when Marek Mintal opened the scoring after eight minutes. Sapara doubled Slovakia's lead soon after the interval, slamming home a close-range shot in the 53rd minute.

Filip Holosko was brought down by Iordan Todorov in the penalty area with 13 minutes remaining and Karhan made no mistake from the spot. Bulgaria grabbed a late consolation goal in the 79th minute through Kalojan Karadzinov.