Nations / Dave Farrar / 29 May 2008 / Leave a comment

With Nedved deciding against coming out of retirement for one last hurrah and inspirational skipper Tomas Rosicky out through injury, the Czech Republic will fail to replicate previous Euro performances, says Dave Farrar..

Group A - Czech Republic

On the face of it, the Czech Republic's challenge for the 2008 European Championships should be a strong one. They were the best side at the 2004 Championships, and they only faded when Pavel Nedved was injured early in the semi final against Greece. They qualified in apparent style this time, finishing ahead of the tournament favourites Germany in the process, and lost only once. I still don't see them as one of the potential winners of Euro 2008.

QUALIFYING

That impressive looking qualifying campaign doesn't really stand up to close scrutiny. They lost at home to Germany in March 2007 in a game that really mattered to both sides, and they lost badly. Their win over the Germans in October can be dismissed in terms of form, as Joachim Lows team was going through an inexplicable loss of form and concentration at the time. The foot was off the pedal and 0-0 draws against Ireland and Wales around the same period show that, although the Czechs did well to win, this wasn't the sensational result that it looked, against a German team without key players.

And, talking of key players, how will the Czechs cope without two of their top men? Pavel Nedved has finally decided not to come back from international retirement, and Tomas Rosicky wil miss Euro 2008 through injury.. These are serioius body blows, and these absences should be borne in mind when considering the key personnel who WILL be there this summer.

Tomas UJFALUSI

Ujfalusi is one of the most underrated defenders in European football, able to play as an attacking right back for Fiorentina and as a solid centre or full back for the national team. Wherever he plays, and it will probably be at right back, he will be the rock around which Bruckner's back line is built, and if he can stimulate those around him with his pace, strength and experience, then they have a chance of qualifying. For one who appears to bear responsibility on the pitch so well, it was surprising to learn that it was the choice of guest at Ujfalusi's birthday party that caused so much friction in the Czech camp.

Martin FENIN

Those Premier League fans who have been raving about the contribution of Mauro Zarate to Birmingham City's survival attempts will be interested in the other star of that World Under 20 final. Zarate might have got the winner for Argentina, but it was Fenin who gave the Czechs the lead. I don't expect him to start in Euro 2008 but he will be an influential substitute who may get a chance of starting later in the tournament. Bruckner must have faith in his younger players for the Czechs to have any chance and Fenins' form for Eintracht Frankfurt (6 goals in his first season) makes him a solid choice.

Marek MATEJOVSKY

As a Reading fan, I know all about underachieving midfield players, but Matejovsky has been the one bright light in Berkshire since arriving in the January transfer window. An excellent passer, he'll be the creative influence in the Czech midfield in the absence of Rosicky and Nedved. A big role to take on, how he adapts to it will be key to Czech chances. He is also capable of the odd spectacular goal, as his Premier League strike at Anfield proved.

COACH: Karel BRUCKNER

Bruckner is eveidence that assistants can step up and become successful. Perhaps his quiet approach (no Max Clifford, no dramatic trips to the orthodontist) is the main reason for his success. He replaced his former boss Josef Chovanec in 2002, and used his vast experience with the Under 21 side (they won the Euro Under 21s in 2002) to great effect. He has qualified the Czechs for three successive major tournaments but has struggled to keep control of a mouthy and at times ill-disciplined squad. He will stand down after Euro 2008.

This has the feeling of a tournament too far for the Czech Republic. A gifted squad of players blew their best opportunity at the last European Championship, and key absentees and creaking legs aren't really in their favour this time round. I think the [20.0] on Betfair for them to win the tournament is about right and I won't be laying them at that price, but I will definitely lay them at [1.8] or thereabouts to qualify from Group A, and will also have a small bet on them to finish bottom of that Group.

Tags: Czech Republic football, Euro 2008 betting, Pavel Nedved