Sionko shuns Panenka approach

If the Czech Republic's final Group A game with Turkey goes to a first-ever UEFA European Championship penalty shoot-out to decide a place in the quarter-finals, don't expect Libor Sionko to re-enact one of his country's most famous footballing moments.

'One Panenka'
Antonín Panenka's iconic penalty saw Czechoslovakia crowned European champions when they beat West Germany in 1976, and although Zinédine Zidane imitated the Czech legend in the FIFA World Cup final 30 years later, Sionko will not be doing the same come Sunday night in Geneva. "There's only one Panenka, and I don't think I'm the second one," Sionko told euro2008.com with a large grin.

Impressive performer
Sionko has been the Czechs' most impressive performer in their two games to date at UEFA EURO 2008™, scoring the goal in the 3-1 defeat against Portugal which leaves them deadlocked with the Turks heading into their final group match. A draw after 90 minutes at the Stade de Genève will mean penalties to decide who joins the Portuguese in the last eight yet Sionko will wait until the full-time whistle sounds before deciding whether he will step up. "It might happen, but it depends on the game," said the FC København midfielder. "If you play well and you're in good shape, then you take a penalty. If you miss a lot of balls, and don't feel good mentally, then you don't."

'Unlucky goal' 
Many in the Czech squad feel their improved showing against Portugal merited a point to add to the three they had claimed with the 1-0 win over co-hosts Switzerland. For his part, Sionko said he felt the Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Portuguese had been a step ahead, though he rued Ricardo Quaresma's injury-time goal which means the route into the quarter-finals is now only secure with victory against Turkey. "I think that a draw would have been OK, but Portugal were a little bit better," admitted Sionko, who had chances to add to his solitary strike. "The most important thing for us, though, was that we conceded the third goal right at the end. Now if we draw it's not enough to qualify, so maybe that third goal was a little bit unlucky for us."

New lease
The former Rangers FC player has enjoyed better fortunes himself since heading for the Danish capital a year ago after an injury-plagued, season-long stay in Glasgow. A string of top-class performances in the Superligaen saw the 31-year-old recalled to the national side towards the end of the qualifying campaign, and Sionko, who was a late call-up to the 2006 FIFA World Cup squad, is delighted to be at his second major finals. "It was 100 per cent a good move for me, as I won my place back in the national side," he said. "I'm here at the EURO and had a good season so I'm very happy."