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Czech Republic
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Czech Republic at Euro 2008
Can they repeat Euro2004 feat?
Coach Karel Bruckner performed wonders with the Czech Republic in Euro2004 by taking them to the semi-finals of the event. Not since the European Championships of 1996 had the Czechs made a significant mark on an international tournament. They finished as runners-up then, but their performances at Euro2004 were far more sparkling.
Expectations have been high since, but the Czech Republic failed miserably at the last World Cup, falling at the group stage. Though the team contains talented players like Petr Cech, Tomas Ujfalusi, Tomas Rosicky, and Milan Baros, it has an air of diffidence about it. Bruckner’s men had played with such swagger at Euro2004, but now they look a laboured side, which needs to be reawakened.
The Czech Republic have to finish amongst the top two of a group that contains Portugal, Turkey, and co-hosts Switzerland. It is certainly within their grasp to reach the next phase of the competition, but to do so they will have to vastly improve on their showing during the qualifiers. They finished atop their qualifying group, but only edged the likes of Cyprus 1-0, and were comprehensively outplayed by Germany in a 2-1 defeat. The side almost seems disinterested at times, even though many of the key players are still in their prime.
Bruckner needs to introduce some changes into the team. Perhaps the ageing Koller needs to be dropped despite his towering presence in attack. Whatever the remedy, the coach needs to find that Euro2004 chemistry again.
How the Czech Republic qualified
The Czechs finished atop a group that contained Germany, Ireland, and Wales, but they were not emphatic in victory. They defeated Germany 3-0, but only after the Germans had already qualified.
How the Czech Republic play
The Czechs play a 4-4-2 with Baros and Koller leading the attack. The latter has been far from his best, and the main goalscoring threat may come from Baros instead. In goal, the Czech Republic have one of the best goalkeepers in the business: Chelsea man Cech. In defence, Milan left-back Marek Jankulovski and Fiorentina’s Ujfalusi stand out, while Rosicky is the creative force in midfield.
About the coach
After the defeat to Germany in the qualifiers, Bruckner almost resigned from his post—not, however, due to the result. His players were involved in a night of partying, which spoke volumes about their lack of commitment. Bruckner stayed in the end, but he will have to ensure a little more discipline prevails in the side. His task is all the more difficult since the inspirational Pavel Nedved retired from international football after the World Cup. Without natural leaders in the team, Bruckner will have to impose his authority on players who, on the whole, seem unfocused.
Key players
Tomas Rosicky - The Arsenal man is the one creative light in midfield, and any injury to him would be disastrous for the Czechs. Still only 27, Rosicky is the Czech Republic’s heartbeat in the middle of the park.
Milan Baros - With Koller’s powers on the wane, Lyon striker Baros will be the livewire goalscorer up front. He was the top scorer at Euro2004.
Star player
Petr Cech - An agile goalkeeper, who is an excellent shot stopper. Cech will be the man who inspires the backline.
Verdict
The Czechs should get past the group stage, but anything beyond the quarter-finals will be a great achievement.
Article by Hasan Saiyid
Czech Republic Euro 2008 News
- Nedvěd's best EURO memories and biggest regret
Pavel Nedvěd told UEFA.com his greatest regret was that the Czech Republic failed to win UEFA EURO 2004 as he shared his memories of past UEFA European Championships.
- Spartak’s McGeady to Face Teammate in International Match
Spartak Moscow winger Aiden McGeady has been called up to the Ireland squad to play the Czech Republic in a friendly February 29, the Football Association of Ireland said on Friday.
- Euro-2012: Poland coach puts on the Russians and Greeks
Head coach of Poland national football team Franciszek Smuda stated that Russia and Greece are the main contenders to the quarterfinals of Euro-2012. It should be reminded that Russia, Poland, Czech Republic and Greece were in the same group.
- Ireland omit McClean from squad to face Czechs
• Sunderland winger surprisingly left out of Trapattoni's squad • 'This game is the beginning of our Euro 2012 preparations' The Sunderland winger James McClean was a surprise omission when the Republic of Ireland manager, Giovanni Trapattoni, named his squad for the friendly clash with Czech Republic later this month. The Londonderry-born 22-year-old was expected to win a first senior call-up ...
- Russia’s Euro 2012 Draw Not as Easy as it Looks – Alenichev
The Russian football team should guard against complacency at Euro 2012 because their group is not as easy as it seems, former Russia international striker Dmitry Alenichev said Saturday.
- Football: Whose Euro 2012 base-camps are where
Thirteen of the 16 teams qualified for Euro 2012 have favoured Poland over tournament co-host Ukraine as the location for their base-camps, including five who will play their group stage matches in Ukraine.
- Trap door closed to McClean
James McClean was a surprise omission when Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni named his squad for the friendly with Czech Republic.