World Cup Preview - Group E - Czech Republic
The Czech Republic:
Coach: Karel Bruckner.
Game Schedule:
June 12 – Czech Republic vs. U.S. (12 p.m. EST)
June 17 – Czech Republic vs. Ghana (12 p.m.)
June 22 – Czech Republic vs. Italy (10 a.m.)
Prospects: Despite being one of the bright lights of Euro 2004, the Czechs had to wait until the playoffs to book their trip to Germany via two narrow wins over Norway. Still, the Czechs with their open style of play are likely to prove one of the most dangerous opponents in the tournament. They’ve got one of the world’s best keepers in Peter Cech, a solid back line with Bundesliga experience, creative midfielders such as Arsenal bound Thomas Rosicky and Juve’s Pavel Nedved, and the mammoth Jan Koller up front. No other team scored as many goals in qualifying. The only question mark against this side is that many of their key players are the wrong side of thirty. After a lengthy European season, this may mean injuries – such as that recently suffered by Tomas Smicer – during the competition. The first match against the U.S. is a key one; if the Czechs drop any points, it will mean that either they or Italy may well be heading home early.
Big Media Story: The phoenix from the fire drama of Nedved – back in action after announcing his retirement after Euro 2004.
Key Player: Thirty six year old Nedved still runs this side – if he shines, the group will do likewise.
Youngster to watch: 24 year old Cech is a youngster amongst this aging bunch.
Who Will Get the Goals: Milan Baros – he flatters to deceive for his Premiership clubs, but something changes when he pulls on the national team shirt.
Who Will Get the Cards: Ajax iron man Tomas Galasek.
Prediction: If the Italians get off to a slow start, expect the Czechs to surprise a lot of people. Finishing top could set up a massive second round fixture – Brazil vs. Italy! Still, on form, they finish second and then run out of luck against Brazil in the Round of Sixteen.
~Bob
posted by Anonymous @ 2:20 PM
1 Comments:
I'm going to be a bit contrarian again, but I just can't figure out all the fuss about Nedved. Better than average in Serie A, sure. But he's a big game bottler for sure. I'd compare Nedved to that silly cocker spaniel that would sometimes get loose on Forest Way. It would run these loopy figure 8s all over the close but really go no-where and when you tried to close him down, he'd bite.
I think you're right that the Czechs are the most dangerous of dark horses, completely capable of doing a Turkey 2002 or a Croatia 1998, but just as likely to implode because of overdependence on Nedved. He's no Zidane.
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