Under-19 team guide: Czech Republic

THE COACH:
The 38-year-old Michal Bílek is a former international midfield player, who made 35 appearances for his country, scoring eleven goals. His playing career, which included a period in Spain with Real Betis Balompié, ended in 2001 at FK Teplice and within 12 months he had his first taste of coaching at the same club. A spell in Costa Rica followed before he returned to take charge of his country's Under-19s. So far he has enjoyed a good record. The Czechs have lost only once under his guidance - 3-0 to Italy in a March friendly - and have beaten Spain, Greece and Hungary in recent matches.

PLAYERS TO WATCH:
This is an experienced Czech team, all but two of whom have played senior club football. Striker Petr Mikolanda scored all three of the Czechs' goals in the second qualifying round and also impressed when playing for SK Slavia Praha in the Coppa Carnevale youth tournament in Viareggio in March when his side reached the final against Juventus FC. Mikolanda has since moved to FK Viktoria Zizkov, despite interest from abroad.

In father's footsteps
His fellow striker, Pavel Malchárek, who plays for second division TJ Vítkovice, has also attracted the attention of foreign scouts. In defence, meanwhile, is 1. FC Synot's Michal Kadlec, son of Miroslav Kadlec, the captain of the Czech Republic side who were beaten finalists at EURO 96™. However, the Czechs' preparations have not been helped by a knee injury to striker Michal Papadopoulos, which will keep him out of the tournament.

ROUTE TO THE FINALS:
Bílek's side enjoyed a bye in the first qualifying round but in the second round underlined their strength by defeating the 2002 runners-up and Group 1 hosts Germany. That 2-1 success followed a 1-0 win against Slovakia before the Czechs concluded their programme with a goalless draw with Belgium. France coach René Girard said the Czechs "represent the top level in Europe" after a recent 0-0 friendly draw in Meaux.

Honours in UEFA youth competitions:
UEFA European Under-18 Championship
Winners 1982, 1983 (both as Czechoslovakia)
Runners-up 2001
UEFA European Under-16 Championship
Winners 1990 (as Czechoslovakia)
Runners-up 2000