Brückner predicts Czech triumph
Friday, October 14, 2005
Article summary
The Czech Republic and Norway will contest a place in the 2006 finals - with both coaches convinced their teams have what it takes to qualify.
Article body
Tough challenge
Defeat by the Netherlands on Saturday destroyed Czech hopes of automatic qualification, but a Group 1 victory in Finland ensured their participation in the play-offs. Coach Karel Brückner, whose team will be away for the first leg, believes Norway, runners-up to Italy in Group 5, represent a tough challenge.
Solid formation
"Norway were the biggest unknown quantity for us of the three possible rivals," he said. "Their 4-5-1 formation is very tough to beat. Having the return leg at home is the slight advantage." Czech Republic captain Tomáš Galásek added: "I don't have much knowledge about them. I only remember I have played with André Bergdølmo at [AFC] Ajax a couple of years ago. We cannot underestimate them."
Previous encounters
The sides last met in EURO '96™ qualifying, the Czechs drawing 1-1 in Oslo and winning 2-0 in Prague on their way to the finals and a silver medal. Karel Poborský is the only remaining squad member from those days, although Pavel Nedvěd has hinted at a comeback.
Spain avoided
As for Norway, coach Åge Hareide has mixed feelings. "I am happy to avoid Spain although the Czech Republic are a very good team," he said. "They are missing some of their key players.
Pressure on Czechs
"To go through, we have to be very compact defensively, the forwards have to be on top of their game, while the midfielders have to run for 180 minutes. The important thing is that we focus on our strengths and not on how good the opposition are. The Czech Republic will have all the pressure on them to go through."
