Czechs in confident mood
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Article summary
The Czech Republic were in high spirits after coming from behind for the third time to finish the group stage on a high.
Article body
Galásek risk
In Lisbon last night, the Czechs more than showed their strength in depth. Indeed, only midfield anchorman Tomáš Galásek started all three of their Group D games. Coach Karel Brückner took a chance in playing him against the Germans as a yellow card would have cost him a suspension for the quarter-finals.
Experience needed
"I originally penned the lineup without him," said Brückner. "But I needed an experienced player in midfield and [Pavel] Nedved was slightly injured and [Tomáš] Rosický still very tired. I chose Galásek and asked him to play carefully and avoid a yellow card." However, the AFC Ajax player revealed he asked to be taken off in the second half. "The risk was too great," said Galásek.
Ballack scare
According to the coach, the key to the Czechs' third group win was the effort shown by the team as a whole. "I only know the word 'team'," Brückner said. "We played like it here, it does not matter who is on the pitch." One of those to benefit yesterday was deputy goalkeeper Jaromír Blazek. "It was an adventure, but I was not nervous at all as I am not a newcomer having played several games in the [UEFA] Champions League," said the AC Sparta Praha custodian. "The worst thing was [Michael] Ballack's shot against the post. I had the luck of course, but you need it in every game."
Lokvenc doubt
Nedved sat on the Czech substitutes' bench for the first time since 1996, and the captain joked that "maybe I will get used to this role". He added: "Anyway, seriously, the boys did a good job and it meant we could have a rest, which we really needed." The only injury concern is a sprained ankle for striker Vratislav Lokvenc. However, a first-choice lineup should be available to play Denmark in Sunday's quarter-final.
Danish surprise
Regarding that match, Brückner admitted to being a little surprised at facing Denmark. "We had focused our preparations on the Italians," he said. "However, I know that the Danes play straightforward football with good ball skills. I will know everything about them before Sunday."
