Ujfaluši hails Čech influence

World class
"Petr is one of our key players," said Ujfaluši, who – along with Čech – helped the Czechs achieve the joint-best defensive record in qualifying. "He gives us security even against weaker teams when he is not too busy as he never loses concentration. He always helps the team and we greatly appreciate it. He's definitely one of the best goalkeepers and among the top three in the world. We are so glad to have him behind us."

Spectacular run
Ujfaluši was part of the Czech Republic team that beat Latvia in their group opener at UEFA EURO 2004™, a victory which heralded a spectacular run to the semi-finals where they were only halted by eventual winners Greece following injury to talisman Pavel Nedvěd. Four years on, with Portugal and Turkey making up what should be a keenly contested Group A, Ujfaluši says the big kick-off in Basel will set the tone for the rest of the competition.

'Good start'
"Of course, the first game is always the most important and I think this will be true here," said Ujfaluši, who will play for Club Atlético de Madrid next season after four impressive campaigns with ACF Fiorentina. "If we cope well in our first match, get a good result and get a good start, then that should increase our chances of going beyond the group stage."

Right blend
The 30-year-old was handed the captain's armband after Tomáš Rosický was ruled out through injury. The Arsenal FC midfielder's absence has forced Karel Brückner to rethink his plans, and the coach has experimented with success as warm-up victories over Lithuania and Scotland testify. Ujfaluši is confident that his boss will find the right blend. "Tomáš is indispensable," said the defender, who will be partnered by either Radoslav Kováč or David Rozehnal. "That means our coach has to find an adequate replacement. I think in the last few games there were two or three players who caught his eye and I believe they will do well."

Last-eight ambition
Brückner has stated that reaching the quarter-finals would be a triumph of sorts, an opinion shared by many neutrals as the Czechs come to Austria and Switzerland with a squad boasting fewer star names than in 2004. Ujfaluši, though, insists this vintage, having beaten Germany to top spot in qualifying Group D, should not be underestimated.

'Strong team'
"It is true that four years ago we had the best team in Europe and we deserved to be in the final," he said at the squad's base in the Austrian Alps. "But the team has changed since then. Key players like Nedvĕd, [Karel] Poborský, [Vladimír] Šmicer and [Vratislav] Lokvenc have gone and a new generation has come in. I think we showed in qualification that we are a strong side. We won the group and, for this reason, we can aim to go beyond the group stage and then obviously as far as possible."