World Cup Team Check: Czech Republic
March 16, 2006
World Cup qualifiers
The Czech team made quite an impression in the qualifiers, with 35 goals in 12 games. Still, it only reached second place in Group 1 behind the Netherlands. In the play-offs against outsider Norway, though, the team could secure its World Cup ticket thanks to two 1:0 wins.
Stars
Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved was specially reactivated for the play-offs, although he had retired from the international team. He then once again shined as the key player. Now the Czechs hope that Nedved will also play in the World Cup. Likewise in the star category are Milan Baros from English team Aston Villa and Tomas Ujfalusi from Italy's ACF Fiorentina. Bundesliga aces Tomas Rosicky and Jan Koller from Borussia Dortmund and top goalkeeper Petr Cech (Chelsea London) are also leading support.
Trainer
Karel Brückner has coached the Czech team since 2002. The experienced trainer called the two won play-off matches against Norway in the qualifiers his biggest success -- and that despite the fact that his charges already left an excellent impression at the European Cup 2004 in Portugal. Only in the semi-finals did they have to admit defeat against later European champions Greece.
World Cup history
The Czech Republic was formed out of the breakup of Czechoslovakia. It is participating in the World Cup for the first time. Czechoslovakia took part in the tournament eight times.
Match schedule: preliminary round
June 12, 2006: United States -- Czech Republic in Gelsenkirchen
June 17, 2006: Czech Republic -- Ghana in Cologne
June 22, 2006: Czech Republic -- Italy in Hamburg
World Cup base
The Czech team has chosen the Westerwald region during the World Cup. It will be staying in Westerburg.
Outlook
Thanks to the team's success in the play-offs and the excellent performance during the last European championships, the Czechs could come to Germany with heads held high. But they are holding back with predictions of their own chances. If Juventus star Pavel Nedved puts his international jersey back on for the World Cup, many Czechs are confident their team will repeat its success from Euro 2004, where it reached the semi-finals.