World Cup 2006 Preview - Czech Republic
Author: David Walker
Outright Odds: 33/1 Group E Winners: 9/4
The Czech Republic may be ranked by FIFA as the second best team
in the world behind Brazil and the best in Europe but they made
hard work of qualifying for the finals. Pitted against Holland
in qualifying, they lost home and away and also suffered defeat
in Romania to finish second in the group. They won both home and
away 1-0 against Norway in the play-offs to secure their place
in Germany.
Despite a nervous qualification, expectations are high this time
around for the Czech's first appearance in the finals since they
entered as Czechoslovakia in 1990. The side have not been out of
FIFA's top six since 2004 and can no longer be dubbed underdogs
or outsiders. Under their old guise they twice finished
runners-up in both 1934 and 1962 and they have the ability to go
one better this time around.
For many of the current squad, it's now or never, as the
attacking force of Tomas Galasek, Karel Poborsky, Jan Koller and
Pavel Nedved, back out of retirement, are all entering the
veteran stage of their careers. All made their mark a decade ago
as the Czech Republic surprised everyone by reaching the final
of Euro 96 and taking eventual winners Germany into extra time.
Under manager Karel Bruckner, who took charge in 2001 after a
successful spell as under-21 coach, the Czechs can be a real
force to be reckoned with. Nobody scored more goals in the
European qualifying campaign than Bruckner's side and it's
hardly surprising, given his choice of tactics.
The Czechs play a cavalier style of attacking football that can
be breathtaking to watch. Who can forget their classic Euro 2004
against Holland in which they battled back from 2-0 down to win
the match 3-2?
With Nedved, Galasek, Poborsky and Tomas Rosicky, the Czechs
boast one of the most creative midfields in international
football. Jan Koller struck nine times in qualifying to take his
tally to 40 goals in 66 appearances but he is in danger of
missing out on the finals after suffering cruciate ligament
damage in September 2005.
While almost unstoppable in attack, where the Czechs fall short
is in defence. Full backs Marek Jankulovski and Zdenek Grygera
offer plenty of attacking support from the back but are prone to
being caught out. But given their overall ability they are worth
a shout to win the tournament at long odds.
Recommended Bet: At odds greater than 2/1, the Czechs offer
much better value than Italy to win the group given their
potency in attack. According to FIFA the Czechs are Europe's top
side yet the bookmakers don't fancy their chances given the odds
on offer. At 33/1, the Czechs offer good each-way value to win
the tournament outright. Czech Republic to win Group E @ 9/4
E/W Czech Republic to win the World Cup @ 33/1
About the author:
David Walker runs a free
World Cup bets website and written
Cup previews. A free 45-page World Cup guide is available
from the website and features a "free World Cup football shirt"
offer.
posted by Keketius @ 3:27 AM
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