Plašil warns against World Cup repeat
Sunday, June 8, 2008
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Midfielder Jaroslav Plašil has warned against the complacency that could yet undermine the Czech Republic's perfect start to their Group A finals campaign.
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Jaroslav Plašil has told euro2008.com there is no room for complacency, despite the Czech Republic making the perfect start to UEFA EURO 2008™ by defeating Switzerland in Saturday's tournament curtain-raiser.
Words of warning
Václav Svěrkoš's second-half goal gave the Czechs a 1-0 victory at St. Jakob-Park to leave Karel Brückner's side ideally-placed in Group A. Plašil, though, warned that the win does not mean the squad can rest on their laurels come Wednesday's match with Portugal. "We have to get some points, that's the most important thing," said the CA Osasuna player at the team training camp in the Austrian Alps. "We were in the same situation at the [2006 FIFA] World Cup with three points from our first game against the United States, but then we weren't able to do anything in the next two matches. I hope it's going to be different this time."
Conservative
The left-sided midfielder was named in a conservative starting lineup as Brückner tried to draw the sting from the co-hosts, who failed to take any of the clear-cut opportunities they created. Having scored from their only real sight of goal, Plašil admitted the Czechs were fortunate to leave Basel with three points. "Lucky? Yes, perhaps. But I think we played as a team, I think that's important and it's because of that that we won," said the 26-year-old. "We weren't able to play our game, but you get matches like that from time to time. For us, the most important thing is the three points and we have to hope the next two matches go well."
Portuguese danger
The first of those assignments is in Geneva against the Portuguese, who lead the Czechs on goal difference after beating Turkey 2-0 in their opener. Although defender Pepe and holding midfielder Raul Meireles were the unlikely goalscorers, it was Cristiano Ronaldo who was the focus of attention for both fans and opponents. Plašil recognises the danger he poses, but said his colleagues should guard against becoming obsessed with stopping the Manchester United FC man. "Portugal are not just about Cristiano Ronaldo," said the AS Monaco FC old boy. "Of course he's a very good player, but there are ten others. So I don't think we're going to plan something special to try and counter his threat."
