Euro 2008 Preview : Czech Republic
Looking to put away the memory of their disappointing World Cup exit behind them, the Czech Republic come into Euro 2008 very much under the radar.
The Czech Republic come into this tournament looking to take the next step as they lost in the semi finals 1-0 to Greece in extra time back in Euro 2004. After beating Denmark 3-0 in the quarterfinals many people considered the Czech Republics the favorites to win it all back in 2004 and the dark horse in the 2006 World Cup.
Highlites from Czech Republic key 1-0 win vs Ireland in Euro 2008 qualifying.
The buzz is not there with on this Czech team coming into Euro 2008 despite beating Germany in Euro 2008 qualifying. Arsenal’s midfield maestro Tomas Rosicky is forced out with an injury and Pavel Nedved decided to stay retired from international competition. If the Czech Republic are to advance into the knockout stages they will need someone replace that void left by Rosicky injury.
As is the case with most tournaments a teams success will largely depend on whether or not a striker gets hot at the right team. Milan Baros being the prime example back in 2004 when he lead the tournament in scoring with 5 goals. A form that he has never been quite able to reproduce the four years that followed. He’ll be paired up front with Jan Koller who as they say in basketball you can’t teach height. In what will be Koller swan song as he is retiring after Euro 2008. In the mean time he’ll look to increase his tally of 52 goals in 85 career appearances. An impressive return for any striker.
Key Player – Petr Cech
The question mark going into Euro 2008 is who will create the chances for the Czech Republic. A question that doesn’t need to be asked is who will stop the other teams chances. The Czech Republic feature one of the best in the business between the sticks in Petr Cech. While the Czech Republic don’t lack talent in the back four with the likes of Grygera, Jankulovski, Ujfaluši and Rozehnal each can rest assured knowing Cech is there to back them up.
Group A Outlook
Put of me thinks with less exceptions the Czech Republic will play better without that added pressure but I just don’t see the quality in midfield. If they are unable to control the midfield teams like Portugal and Turkey will punish them.
Sinnacle Prediction – 4th in Group A