Bolf fit to face Greece

Back to fitness
Coach Karel Brückner revealed that the centre-back had passed a fitness test today, and while he refused to reveal his plans, it is likely that Bolf will line up alongside Tomáš Ujfaluši in the middle of defence - a pairing that served the Czechs so well in qualifying.

Same side
With Martin Jiránek still feeling the effects of a thigh injury, it seems probable that Zdenek Grygera will take his place at right-back, which should leave Brückner with the side that started the opening game against Latvia.

Winning run
The Czechs, who were unbeaten in qualifying, are the only team to have won all of their finals matches, but their coach remains cautious about facing Greece. "The Greeks have a well-balanced side," said Brückner. "The good results they have had here are no fluke."

Deadball danger
Brückner hopes that set-pieces will provide the key to victory, even though free-kicks and corners have led to just two of the Czechs' ten goals so far. "We have practised deadball situations a lot," he said. "This could play a decisive role, but Otto Rehhagel will also be working on such things."

Greek resilience
German coach Rehhagel has fashioned Greece into a resilient defensive unit and the Czech players are every bit as concerned about breaking down the Greek defence as they were about countering the more effusive football played by the Netherlands or quarter-final opponents Denmark.

Business as usual
"Nobody can expect us to score three goals inside the first 45 minutes," said captain Pavel Nedved. "The semi-final is normally a more tactical game but we will have to play like we always do. And by that I mean with heart."

Goal drought
The 2003 Ballon d'Or winner has yet to score at EURO 2004™ but insists that such statistics do not trouble him. "We have other scorers here," said Nedved, who like team-mates Tomáš Ujfaluši and Marek Jankulovski is one booking away from suspension. "I will not be upset if it carries on like that."

White kit
Meanwhile, the Czechs have received an extra boost with the news they will be allowed to wear their 'lucky' all-white kit tomorrow. "We have won all of the difficult games we have played while wearing white," joked Vladimír Šmicer. "Maybe it makes us feel like Real Madrid [CF]."

Crowd outnumbered
They may need the extra confidence as they have been told to expect their supporters to be outnumbered three to one by Greek fans at the Estádio do Dragão. Around 3,000 Czechs are expected at the game, with many others saving their money in case the team reach Sunday's final.