Bilek resigns as Czechs' Brazil bid falters

Michal Bílek has ended his four-year reign as Czech Republic coach after Tuesday's 2-1 defeat by Italy all but ended the side's hopes of qualifying for Brazil next summer.

"We wished to play at the World Cup and we will not," he told Czech TV after a game in Turin his players had led before the hosts recovered. "I am very disappointed that our journey has ended. I have not fulfilled the aim of my mission, we failed to qualify. I am offering my resignation."

The result sealed top spot in Group B for Italy and left the Czech Republic fourth, four points adrift of second-placed Bulgaria and a play-off spot with two games remaining. Football Association of the Czech Republic (FAČR) chairman Miroslav Pelta confirmed that one of Bílek's assistants will be at the helm for those.

Bílek, 48, took the reins in autumn 2009 and guided the team through to UEFA EURO 2012 where they topped their group before bowing out to Portugal in the quarter-finals. The Czech Republic have not got going in this qualifying campaign, however, losing to Denmark, Italy and perhaps most damagingly, at home to Armenia.