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I can't believe that I haven't got around to the Czechs until now. They're one of the top sides around (FIFA have them ranked 2nd) and have some outstanding individual talents. That said, they're probably not the threat they were two years ago. Many of the top players are on the downward side of their careers. The Dutch well and truly handled them during qualification (see below) and a resurgent Romanian side ran them close for the playoff place. Once in the playoff, they lucked out in drawing Norway, possibly the poorest side left at that point. Nonetheless, they go into their (admittedly tough) Finals group as a side to be feared. Surprisingly beaten in the semifinals of the 2004 European Championships by eventual winners Greece, they were easily the most attractive side in the competition. Some of the football played was breathtaking but the criticism remains; can they put it together at a major tournament? This will be their first World Cup Finals as the Czech Republic, having been upset by Belgium in the playoff last time out, so their pedigree can be questioned somewhat. Czech players have always been talented though. When joined with the Slovaks, Czechoslovakia were eight times World Cup finalists (twice runners up), as well as Euro Champions in 1974. Thirty two years later, Antonin Panenka's winning penalty in the shootout is still worth seeing (go on, google it). All the more so, given what the communist administration of the time would've done to him, had he missed.

To quote Bill Hicks; "Jesus! What balls!"

The Czechs qualified for their first World Cup Finals as follows.

Team Played Won Drawn Lost Goal Diff Points
Holland 12 10 2 0 24 32
Czech Rep* 12 9 0 3 23 27
Romana 12 8 1 3 10 25
Finland 12 5 1 6 2 16
Macedonia 12 2 3 7 -13 9
Armenia 12 2 1 9 -16 7
Andorra 12 1 2 9 -30 5

*Czech Republic defeated Norway 2-0 on aggregate in the playoff.

The Dutch (ranked 3rd) got the better of the Czechs in what, in recent years, has become a regular rivalry in major tournaments. Romania (26th) are starting to punch their weight; whilst the Finns (48th) and Macedonia (91st) are difficult opponents whilst Armenia (109th) and Andorra (127th) simply made up the numbers. It was a tough section; certainly, Romania and Finland were at least as tough as playoff opponents Norway (39th), who failed to impress me in Scotland's group.

Coach KAREL BRUCKNER looks like a mellow enough old geezer, but he's put together a tough side that scored thirty five goals in nine matches (they failed to score in the two defeats to Holland, and the loss in Romania). Bruckner has been involved with the national side for an age now; having had major success as youth coach with many of the same players. A keen chess player, he's regarded as a master tactician; in both open play and from set pieces. At the Euro 2004 Finals he humiliated Holland coach Advocaat by changing his midfield at 2-0 down. The Czechs won 3-2 and were thrilling throughout. Don't be fooled by his wizened old man persona.

In goal is probably the world's best keeper. PETR CECH (Chelsea, England) is an excellent shot stopper and commands his area well. He's been his country's first choice since the age of nineteen, such is his consistency and cool head. At times last season, it seemed like nobody could score against Chelsea. The former Sparta Prague and Rennes (France) goalie was the reason. His deputy JAROMIR BLAZEK (Sparta Prague) played against Armenia in qualifying and against Germany at Euro 2004, his only caps. He has masses of experience though and is a worthy second choice. ANTONIN KINSKY (Saturn Ramenskoje, Russia) is another reliable performer who made his name at Slovan Liberec and will make the squad. It's a testament to the quality of goalkeeping that he is a distant third choice for the Czechs.

On the right side of defence is ZDENEK GRYGERA (Ajax, Holland). He's made the spot his own since leaving Sparta Prague and is versatile to play across the defensive line. Grygera was part of the youth side that was Euro runners up in 2000. His biggest problem seems to be that the coach always seems to substitute him when he makes a tactical change! So, should the Czechs go behind at any tine in Germany, look for him to be taken off. On the left flank is MAREK JANKULOWSKI (AC Milan, Italy). He is known for getting forward and scoring goals (notably in Italy for Udinese and Napoli) but the former Banik Ostrava player is more valuable defensively. His performances in the two Norway matches were outstanding. Serie A is represented again in the centre. TOMAS UJFALUSI (Fiorentina, Italy) is an immense central defender, who played every single minute of the qualifying campaign. A huge part of La Viola's recent Italian renaissance (excuse the pun, they do play in Florence), he has experience of playing in Germany; SV Hamburg signed him from Sigma Olomouc. His partner will most likely be DAVID ROZEHNAL (Paris Saint Germain, France), who also started off with Sigma, also playing for FC Brugges in Belgium. For those keeping score, that's a pretty formidable back line.

Should either of the central defenders get injured or suspended, experienced RENE BOLF (Auxerre, France) would replace them without missing a beat. He's had injuries recently (as well as problems with his club coach, the awful Jacques Santini) but is another top class defensive partner, particularly for Ujfalusi. He's played at the top level in his homeland; with Sparta Prague and Banik Ostrava. The other central defender most likely to push for a place is RADOSLAV KOVAC (Spartak Moscow, Russia). Long-term, the former Sparta Prague man is seen as the replacement for Bolf; he's tall and deals well with the high ball. TOMAS HUBSCHMAN (Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine) is another young player, he played a significant part in the 2004 European Championships. MARTIN JIRANEK (Spartak Moscow) did likewise, though he's likely to be a reserve for the wide defensive positions. Good going forward, Jiranek played successfully in Italy, for Reggina. Youth player MARTIN LATKA (Slavia Prague, currently on loan to Birmingham City, England) is doing well in the Premiership, but faces stiff competition for a place.

You know, it's through compiling articles about teams like this that make it clear how far my beloved Scotland have fallen behind the main soccer nations. Oh, well...

Captain TOMAS GALASEK (Ajax) has masses of experience. He'll never be mistaken for a goalscoring midfielder, or a superstar, but he's a tidy and technically proficient player. His attitude is first class, as well. He doesn't need to be, playing along side PAVEL NEDVED (Juventus, Italy), probably the best player to represent his country. He retired from international soccer in 2004, but was coaxed back. Ostensibly played on the left side, Bruckner is savvy enough to allow him a free role that gives opposition defenders fits. Almost impossible to mark this way, the 2003 European MVP is a threat both with his crosses from wide positions (the early ball from deep, or from the goal line) and late runs into the penalty area. Probably not quite the player he was two years ago, opposing coaches will still give him massive respect. Playing a similar (if slightly more conventional) role on the right side is another great veteran, KAREL POBORSKY (Sparta Prague). His country's most capped player, Poborsky will probably be remembered for his wonder goal at the 1996 Euro Finals. That's to do him a disservice though, as he exerts massive influence from the right. He's played for Manchester United in England (unluckily, at the same time as David Beckham's emergence), as well as Benfica (Portugal) and SS Lazio (Italy) in between his two spells for Sparta. Hopefully, the problems he's had with Sparta management won't prevent him going to Germany. Indeed, being freed from club politics may inspire him on what's almost certainly his international swansong.

In between the two old stagers is a playmaker of maddening ability and inconsistency. TOMAS ROSICKY (Borussia Dortmund, Germany) keeps threatening to become one of the stars of the world game. Needless to say, he's sabotaged a couple of my fantasy teams in the past but he can really play. Seven goals from midfield in qualifying tells it's own story. A move to Spain (Atletico Madrid) or England (Arsenal) has been rumoured for a while now and, with so many of his international teammates nearing retirement, Rosicky may find this is his best chance to make a noise before leaving Germany. He certainly has it in him, despite his slight stature. Rosicky's goal in the second leg of the playoff was vital, as was that of VLADIMIR SMICER (Bordeaux, France) in the first. A tricky winger who likes to cut inside, Smicer is often used by the Czechs in a free role in the centre where, like Nedved, he proves difficult to defend. Smicer never really made himself a regular when at Liverpool in England, but he did score a vital goal in the Champions League Final, his last game for the club. JIRI JAROSIK (Chelsea, currently on loan to Birmingham City) has the same problem for club and country, the talented midfielder cannot hold down a regular place. Hopefully, playing regularly at Birmingham will force him into coach Bruckner's plans. A young player who could make an impact off the bench is JAROSLAV PLASIL (AS Monaco, France). He's one for the future, though. JAN POLAK (Nurnburg, Germany) has returned from five years out of the international scene and scored four goals in qualifying. The former Slovan Liberec player's winner in the 4-3 win over Finland turned out to be vital to qualification.

The front pairing has proven to be one of the most effective in world soccer. Fans of Liverpool and current club Aston Villa (England) probably struggle to understand how MILAN BAROS scores so many goals against the top international sides, including five in the qualification campaign. He was a revelation in Portugal in 2004, where his pace was utilised by the wide players and his strike partner JAN KOLLER (Borussia Dortmund). The six foot eight inch Koller provides many knockdowns for his partner as well as scoring himself; his nine goals in qualifying made him Europe's second highest marksman. Koller was a success in Belgium, most notably for Anderlecht, before moving to Germany. He may be joined there next year by Baros, who allegedly has a clause in his current contract to negotiate a prestige move. The main worry for the Czechs is that Koller has missed most of the current season with a cruciate ligament knee injury. He should be ready for the Finals, but his sharpness will be a concern.

MAREK HEINZ (Borussia Monchengladbach, Germany) is the understudy to Baros, but is also an effective midfield player. He's played both positions; in Germany, for SV Hamburg and Arminia Bielefeld and at home, with Sigma Olomouc and Banik Ostrava. Heinz's two goals provided late momentum after the Romania defeat threatened to derail the qualification campaign. There's also a physical alternative if Koller can't play; VRATISLAV LOKVENC (Salzburg, Austria) also has experience of playing in the German Bundesliga; with Kaiserslauten and VFL Bochum. Lokvenc has the kind of dominant, experienced personality that is useful in any dressing room. His five goals in qualifying were even more useful. TOMAS JUN (Trabzonspor, Turkey) has been a recent addition to the squad, scoring against Finland and being included for the recent friendly internationals. Up front is where the Czech squad is thinnest, thanks mainly to the success of the Koller-Baros partnership, but there are a couple of top quality players available.

With Italy, Ghana and the USA, it's fair to say the Czechs have a tough task getting out of the group but I think that they will. They play the Italians last, which should be of benefit to them. I think they'll beat both other sides. In fact, they may be the strongest team in Group E, however storied a tradition the Italians may have. Winning the group is almost essential however, as the runners up are likely to meet Brazil in the second round. Croatia, for example, would be a tough second round match, but preferable to playing the World Champions. If they do follow that path, the draw opens up for them a bit, with the possibility of maybe France or the Ukraine in the quarterfinals. Again, difficult games, but games the Czechs could win. They have quality in goal and across the defensive line, a midfield of imagination and depth (to counteract the ahem, age issues). Their first choice attack will worry anyone, even if what's in reserve perhaps doesn't. If the Czech Republic can find the form of Euro 2004, where they sliced teams apart, they can go far. A stodgy opponent could frustrate them, like Greece in 2004. The Czechs can score but when they lose, it tends to be those kind of 1-0 scorelines. That said, they're another side for who the sky's the limit.

Next week, I'll be looking at another first timer. The African side with perhaps the most star power, the Ivory Coast were impressive in the recent African Nations Cup, making it to the Final.

NEXT WEEK - IVORY COAST

Steve Beagrie is the resident Football (that's soccer for the yanks) expert here at SFM. Check out his website at SteveBeagrie.com.


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