CZECH REPUBLIC
fifa.com
The Czech Republic are a team in transition. On one hand they have a host of young players just beginning to make an impact on the squad. The Czech’s were semi-finalists at the under-21 Euro’s last year and many of the players from that team are now part of Michal Bilek’s plans. At the other end of the scale the golden generation that contained the talents of Pavel Nedved and Karel Poborsky has now all but disbanded leaving the likes of Thomas Rosicky, Petr Cech, Thomas Hubschmann and Milan Baros as the highest profile names and most experienced heads.
Both Baros and Rosicky provide their own talking points. Rosicky has been the stand-out Czech talent in terms of ability for years now but has struggled form wise, for what seems like an eternity, and while Bilek continues to shape the team around the playmaker he delivers only in patches. He has however hit a great run of form for his club Arsenal and this could prove a timely boost for the Czech’s even though there are concerns over his fitness. Baros meanwhile, is fighting for his place. The 30 year old Galatasaray forward has almost 90 caps and a scoring record for his country close to one in two but recent form has seen him come under pressure from a trio of young forwards for the solitary striking spot. 23-year-old Tomas Pekhart is expected to run Baros closest
Michal Bilek, the coach has consistently come under pressure and experimented with a few different formations during the qualifying. The results in the group were unimpressive as Bilek struggled to find a system that worked. Only in the playoff against Montenegro did his side look assured and comfortable with Rosicky and Jaroslav Plasil controlling midfield.
Key Man: Petr Cech
Cech once set an English Premier League record of over 1000 minutes without conceding a goal until it was beaten by Edwin Van Der Sar. Given Chelsea’s spending in recent years the goalkeeper looks an all-time bargain at £7 million as he has been a class act since his arrival in 2004. Even a serious skull fracture hasn’t been able to halt Cech’s phenomenal consistency. He is one of the world’s top goalkeepers and a major asset to an otherwise average looking Czech outfit.
Watch Out For: Thomas Pekhart
A name that may be familiar to Spurs and Southampton fans, Tomas Pekhart is now with German club Nuremburg but also pushing for a starting role with his national side. Although he has yet to make an impact for his country Pekhart was prolific at under-21 level netting 17 times in 26 under-21 caps. It remains to be seen whether he has the quality to make the step up but he certainly has presence. At 6 ft 4 ins tall expect to see him introduced late on if the Czechs need a goal.
1000 Goals Predicts:
Not the force they used to be and despite having a few quality players in their ranks the Czech’s will have trouble escaping the group. Despite the average look of their three opponents Bilek’s side don’t seem equipped to take advantage. Their recent friendly defeat to Hungary does little to suggest otherwise. First round exit.
Tags: Czech Républic, Euro 2012, Petr Cech, Tomas Pekhart
