Kovařík relishes first final honour
Thursday, May 15, 2008
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Libor Kovařík of the Czech Republic has been selected to referee Friday's U17 final in Antalya, following the likes of Bo Karlsson, Anders Frisk and Roberto Rosetti.
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Roll of honour
The likes of Bo Karlsson, Anders Frisk and Roberto Rosetti handled the former U16 final, while last year, in Belgium, Serbia's Dejan Filipović oversaw the decider between Spain and England and less than four months later was selected to referee the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier between San Marino and the Czech Republic. Kovařík has already refereed two matches at these finals as well as acting as fourth official on another couple of occasions, and has enjoyed his time with the other referees at their base, Antalya's Red Square-replicating Kremlin Palace hotel. Kovařík told uefa.com: "I am enjoying it very much. The team spirit between the referees, the observers and the organisers is really good."
Opportunity
Kovařík, 32, has previously refereed in UEFA Cup qualifying as well as this season's Elite round mini-tournament in Northern Ireland, having taken his first steps as an official nearly 15 years ago. He spent more than five seasons in the Czech 1. Liga, after serving as an assistant at that level, but since joining the international list this year he has had the opportunity to learn from some of Europe's best-known experienced former referees, including the observers here in Turkey.
Experience
"Of course we analyse our matches in the Czech Repubic; I have an experienced mentor," Kovařík said. "But the advice from Michel Vautrot, Hugh Dallas and Bob Valentine is very positive for me [and I'm] learning small things from them as they are experienced, know a lot about football – and also about life. I'm happy to have this opportunity."
Small details
Praising the young players here for the spirit in which they have competed in this tournament, Kovařík mused on the lessons he has learned. "The most important thing is that small details are very important in international matches," he said. "There are some things I have not thought about before but now I keep in mind; for example, when the match starts I should be aware if a player enters the opponents' half before the kick-off – small things."