Czech Republic Euro 2008 Online Streams and TV Schedules
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
