Home advantage lifts Czechs

The Czech Republic have high hopes of performing well when they host the UEFA European Futsal Championship, especially after their disappointment at the FIFA Futsal World Championship at the end of last year.

Key return
After coming through the first group stage, Michal Stríz's side lost all three matches in the second phase against fellow EURO finalists Italy, Spain and Portugal. However, there is plenty to be cheerful about for what is still a youthful and developing squad – especially as the world finals in Chinese Taipei were their first experience at that level. And, with a positive home crowd and the return to international action of Roman Mareš, there are plenty of reasons for a buoyant mood.

Captain is back
Mareš, who turns 30 next month, is his country’s leading Futsal player but missed the world tournament because of his club commitments with Dina Moscow in Russia. However, there will be no such conflict this time around, much to the relief of his coach. "He has definitely been our best player for three or four years," said Striz. "We missed him markedly and I expect much from his return."

Brothers in arms
It was Mareš who played a key role as the Czechs finished third in this competition two years ago in Italy. He was the captain and the real leader of the team, although he suffered throughout with a knee injury. Such injury worries are firmly in the past, and Mareš along with his younger brother Roman, also a Dina player, are ready to try and at least match that achievement.

Among favourites
Stríz, a former international player who became the head coach of that national team at the age of 35 in 1997, believes his side, despite being largely semi-professional, can still put on a good showing in what promises to be a hugely competitive finals. "There are no big changes as far the spread of the power," he said. "There are still five or six national sides who are capable of winning medals, including the Czech Republic."

Time to revenge
He was satisfied with the draw, as his side are in Group A and will avoid world finalists Spain and Italy. Their opening fixture is against Ukraine, and the coach sees this as the ideal chance to avenge the 5-1 defeat from two years ago that cost the Czechs a place in the final. "It will be tough game. [Forward] Serhiy Koridze is one of the world's best players."

Team to beat
Russia are next for the Czechs, although Stríz has a feeling the 1999 winners may not be at the level of the past. The sides last met in an October friendly in Moscow, with the Czechs running out 5-0 winners. They finish against the Netherlands with each side liable to fancy their chances of coming out on top. Key will be the form of goalkeeper Jan Klíma, a trusty custodian who stood out in the 4-1 defeat by Brazil in the Far East, making no fewer than 33 saves. As Italy found out two years ago, home advantage is also a handy thing to have on your side.

How they qualified
As hosts, the Czech Republic automatically earned a place in these finals.

Futsal founded: 1971
World ranking: 6
Best international performance: UEFA European Futsal Championship third place 2003