Euro 2012: Cech key for Czechs
The Czech Republic turned around their flagging fortunes just in the nick of time to earn their spot at Euro 2012 through the play-offs.
Two second-half goals gave the Czechs a well-deserved first-leg victory at home to Montenegro, before the ever reliable Petr Cech made a few crucial saves as they secured qualification in Podgorica.
Defensive mid-fielder Jaroslav Plasil produced stellar performances in both the legs that went a long way in ensuring their qualification.
However, it was a controversial decision away to Scotland that enabled the Czechs to seal a play-off place.
With Craig Levein’s side leading 2-1 in the 90th minute, the referee awarded a dubious penalty to the visitors after Jan Rezek went down under a challenge from Danny Wilson.
Michal Kadlec converted the spot-kick to earn a point, and Rezek later admitted to having made the most of the contact from Wilson.
Captain Tomas Rosicky has been the backbone of the Czech Republic team since making his international debut, featuring in all but one of his side’s fixtures at major tournaments between 2000 and 2006, with injury sidelining him from Euro 2008 and the majority of the qualification campaign for the 2010 World Cup.
Rosicky has been unable to reproduce his best form for Arsenal since his lengthy lay-off through injury during the 2008-09 season, but he still remains a towering presence for the national team, having set up six of his side’s 15 goals during qualification for Euro 2012.
Key player: Petr Cech: The goalkeeper made a name for himself on the international stage at the European Championships, pulling off a number of important saves in his side’s run to the semi-finals in 2004 to earn a place in Uefa’s team of the tournament ahead of his move to Chelsea.
However, it has been a mixed bag for Cech at the Euros after being censured publicly for Nihat’s equaliser for Turkey in the decisive group stage match at Euro 2008.
The keeper accepted the blame for his side’s defeat and considered retiring from international football after the match.
Manager: Michal Bilek: He took over following the failure to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, with former Liverpool midfielder Vladimir Smicer joining him as team manager.
Expectations from fans are high, but the likes of Pavel Nedved, Patrik Berger and Karel Poborsky are long gone, and their replacements have yet to prove that they have what it takes to succeed at the international level.
Group A: Poland, Greece, Russia and the Czech Republic.
Fixtures: June 8: vs Russia. June 12: vs Greece. June 16: vs Poland.
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