Necid basks in Czech success

If there is one player who can be said to have made the biggest individual contribution to his team's victory on the opening day of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship, it was the Czech Republic's Tomáš Necid.

Vital goals
While Bojan Krkić hit a hat-trick for Spain to lead the nascent goalscoring chart, his treble came in the second half of an already won game against hosts Luxembourg. When Necid produced a spectacular curling long-range strike 49 minutes into the Czechs' meeting with Serbia and Montenegro, though, the Group B match had been truly deadlocked. The forward made it 2-0 13 minutes from time, just as well since his opponents pulled one back to ensure a nervy finish.

'Good feeling'
But then Necid has a knack of getting vital goals - his efforts against holders Turkey and Denmark were crucial to getting the Czechs through the Elite round. "I am always in the right place at the right time; I know where to be," Necid told uefa.com. "It is very good to decide important matches, it is just a very good feeling."

'Very lucky'
Even the day after that match-winning performance, the SK Slavia Praha youngster is still on a high. "I feel very good, yesterday I scored two goals. I am enjoying it and looking forward to the next match. I am very, very lucky. We must train hard now for the rest of the tournament."

Slow start
The only slight concern about Necid was highlighted by Czech Republic coach Jakub Dovalil. "In the first half he was not dangerous - not moving, not shooting, it was very difficult for him," Dovalil said. "But in the second half he got two goals." Necid concurs: "I want to play well from the start, but I just could not. I am happy I scored twice in the second half, and I don't know what the problem is.”

Coach's fury
But then Necid was not the only player to disappoint Dovalil in the opening period, which the Czechs were fortunate to end at 0-0. "It was crazy, the coach was furious," Necid said. "He told us we had to play much better. If we had played that poorly in the second half, we would have lost 3-0."

'Respect, but no fear'
Indeed, they will need to be at their best on Friday when the Czechs face a formidable Germany team fresh from defeating Belgium 4-0. Necid said: "Germany will be very good. I have respect, but no fear. It will be a difficult match."

Drogba admiration
Necid, a strong forward with no little skill, identified Chelsea FC's Didier Drogba as his footballing idol. And like the Ivorian, Necid would like at some point in his career to play outside his own country, though time is on the 16-year-old's side. "I would like to play abroad, but I'm currently waiting for chances at Slavia," he said.

Winning aim
Before returning to his club, however, Necid has an international prize to aim for in Luxembourg. "I think our team is very good and I hope we can play the best football and win the tournament," Necid concluded.