DNA - Sport - Last big chance for Czech old guard - Daily News & Analysis
PRAGUE: For the best part of a decade, Pavel Nedved, Karel Poborsky and Vladimir Smicer have been household names in European football. But the Czech stalwarts have never played at the World Cup — until now.And despite their advancing years, they are determined to make a lasting impression in Germany. “We are going to Germany to win. If not, it would not make any sense,” said Poborsky, 34, the most capped player in the history of Czech football with 112 appearances.
Poborsky, along with Nedved and Smicer, made a sensational impact on the international football scene at Euro 96 in England. The unfancied Czechs created the surprise of the tournament when they qualified for the final against Germany, only to be beaten 2-1 by a golden goal.
Bolstered by fresh young talent such as Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Tomas Rosicky and Aston Villa striker Milan Baros, the team again attracted praise during Euro 2004 in Portugal.
Some of the key names behind the recent successes of the Czech national football (soccer) team. Here are the correct spellings:
- Pavel Nedvěd
- Karel Poborský
- Vladimír Šmicer
- Petr Čech
- Tomáš Rosický
- Milan Baroš
