Brückner considers Czech options

Karel Brückner has a full-strength Czech Republic squad to choose from and began fine-tuning his starting lineup for their opening UEFA EURO 2004™ match against Latvia with the aid of a training game on Friday.

Draw in test
Brückner gave some indication as to his intentions regarding the two principle questions hanging over the team, fielding René Bolf in central defence and pairing Milan Baroš with Jan Koller in attack. The giant BV Borussia Dortmund striker later complained of a pain in his arm.

No worries
Koller bruised his shoulder during the team's 3-1 victory against fellow EURO 2004™ finalists Bulgaria in Prague last week and aggravated it again in Thursday's practice. However, he is not an injury concern and is expected to make a full recovery well before Tuesday. Vratislav Lokvenc, who had missed several training sessions with an ankle sprain, was able to train fully today and suffered no problems with the injury.

Poborský like at home
Czech midfield player Karel Poborský was at the centre of attention as local fans gathered to watch the team practice. Poborský, who spent three seasons playing for SL Benfica, had the unusual experience of hearing his name chanted throughout the session.

Increasing tense
The Czech players are not looking forward to the wait until their opening match kicks off at the Estádio Municipal de Aveiro on Tuesday, three days after the tournament begins. "When we watch the other games on television, I'm sure our legs will twitch," admitted Tomáš Ujfaluši.

Third finals
But experienced campaigner Vladimír Šmicer, who is playing in his third UEFA European Championship, warned: "We must just be careful to relax and not get too excited."