CZECH REPUBLIC GROUP A Poland Greece Russia
Czech Republic national team lineup
rarely have they threatened to emulate the class of ‘96 who came so close to stunning the football world. Dusan Uhrin’s team arrived in England with a largely unheralded squad who were expected to make up the numbers in a group which contained Italy, Germany and Russia but left as everyone’s second-favourite team. True to expectations they
Michal Bilek
HIGHS AND LOWS Since gaining their independence in 1992 the Czech Republic boasts a proud record of never having failed to qualify for the European Championship fi nals but
lost their opener against Germany but goals from a young Pavel Nedved and Radek Bejbl secured a historic 2-1 win over Italy at Anfi eld. Still, elimination looked on the cards when they blew a two- goal lead against Russia in their fi nal group game, only for Vladimir Smicer’s 88th minute equaliser to edge them above the Italians on goals scored. Karel Poborsky’s mesmeric dribble and scooped fi nish
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won the quarter-fi nal against Portugal and following a 0-0 draw against France in the semis Reynald Pedros’s missed penalty in the shootout saw Czech Republic qualify for the fi nal where they took the lead through Patrick Berger’s spot kick, only for Germany’s Oliver Bierhoff to dash their hopes. They lost 2-1 after extra-time thanks to the substitute striker’s double. Euro 2004 saw the Czech’s
go close again – they were involved in the tournament’s most dramatic game when they came from 2-0 behind to beat Holland 3-2 and fi nish top of a group which also included Germany and Latvia. They thumped Denmark 3-0 in the last eight with two goals from Milan Baros, who ended as the tournament’s top goalscorer, before falling victim to smash-and-grab experts Greece in the semi-fi nal.
AMAZING FACT Karel Bruckner took charge of the national team for seven years between 2001 and 2008 after which the Czech Republic has employed four managers in four years.
NICKNAME: Nároďák (national team)
HOME STADIUM: Generali Arena, Prague
COLOURS/STRIP: Red shirts, red shorts, red socks
COACH: Michal Bilek, October 2009
CAPTAIN: Tomas Rosicky, August 2006
HIGHEST SCORER: Jan Koller (55) 1999-2009
MOST CAPPED PLAYER: Karel Poborsky (119) 1994- 2006
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