Cheer for Czechs despite defeat

The Czech Republic were left thinking what might have been after their heroic performance at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada.

Unexpected success
Before the finals began, Miroslav Soukup's side would have been more than content if told they were to finish as runners-up but as the competition wore on it was clear the Czechs were capable of competing on the global stage. Despite being underdogs against five-time winners Argentina in the final, the Czechs took the lead through Martin Fenin only for the South Americans to prove their class once again at this level with a quick equaliser and late winner.

Press praise
Soukup was relatively unknown at home at the start of the competition but is now front-page news for his part in one of the country's greatest footballing achievements. Pictures of his Czech charges filled today's media with the Sport newspaper explaining how the country was as much pleased with the style of play as in the silver medals secured. "They played an open game against a wonderful side, without self-consciousness and with brave hearts," it wrote.

Positive spin
The coach himself could not hide his pride. "I am proud of this squad," he said. "We had been tipped to not get beyond the group stage but by the end we had more than matched the winners. We even deserved the lead, but two mistakes enabled them to come from behind. We didn't commit any errors during the whole tournament and I have no explanation for that now. However, I hope that the silver will surpass today's bitterness from the defeat. They all have great promise for the future."

Fenin reflection
So does the coach, who will return to his regular role as assistant to U21 coach Vítězslav Lavička as the nucleus of this squad look to help the Czech Republic reach the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. Among the players expected to be involved are striker Martin Fenin, who more than summed up the disappointment. "We probably got scared after the opening goal," said the in-demand FK Teplice forward. "We had not played such a [big] game before and our legs were suddenly very heavy."

Golden display
Despite the tears of many of his team-mates, the 18-year-old defender Ondřej Mazuch, who has just earned a switch to Serie A giants ACF Fiorentina, was well aware the whole squad could hold their heads up high. "If we had managed to keep them out for at least five minutes after scoring, we would have won. But we conceded from the first attack. Nevertheless it's not bad to be second in the world." The medals may be silver, but the Czechs were truly golden in Canada.