Czech pair seek international relief
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Article summary
An international is not always ideal for a misfiring striker but for Czech Republic duo Milan Baroš and Jan Koller, Wednesday's tie may be just what is needed.
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Barren spell
Koller and Baroš have registered over 80 times between them in internationals over the past decade, both scoring at least a goal every two games, yet the past 12 months has been a barren time for them for both. Baroš has not scored since 22 December, a run going back 14 games, while Koller has found the net just once in his past 13 appearances. Both players changed clubs in January in a bid to improve their form, now they will be hoping a return to the international stage can do the trick.
Welcome break
Certainly playing Denmark will bring back happy memories. Baroš has scored three goals in two previous games against the Danes, a last-minute equaliser when the sides met in a friendly in November 2006 and two in the UEFA EURO 2004™ quarter-finals. Koller opened the scoring in that 3-0 win, and although goals have been harder to come by of late they are hopeful of timely returns to form. "I don't know what I'm doing wrong," said Koller, who joined 1. FC Nürnburg from AS Monaco FC during the transfer window. "We are all under big pressure as we fight relegation so I am looking forward to the international game. I hope to break the goalless run."
Country first
Baroš also departed France in January, swapping Olympique Lyonnais for Portsmouth FC – a move inspired by international ambitions. "It does not matter whether or not I am satisfied in England," said the 26-year-old. "I did not see any opportunities at Lyon so the change was important for me because of the European Championship." A goal against Denmark in Herning could also be important, with Karel Brückner's team seeking a lift following the 2-0 loss to fellow UEFA EURO 2008™ finalists Poland last month.
Sivok chance
The versatile Tomáš Sivok also moved to enhance his international ambitions, joining AC Sparta Praha from Udinese Calcio in January, and he has already received some reward after being called up to the squad as cover for Tomáš Rosický, one of three key absentees. Petr Čech is also out while Zdeněk Grygera is sidelined with a foot injury picked up at the weekend.
