Nedved wins Czech award
Friday, June 13, 2003
Article summary
Juventus FC's Pavel Nedved has been voted the Czech Republic's Footballer of the Year after a superb season.
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Golden Ball
Nedved received the Golden Ball at a ceremony in Prague on Thursday evening, 24 hours after he captained his country to a 5-0 defeat of Moldova in the UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifiers. The 30-year-old beat off competition from last year's winner Tomás Rosický and his BV Borussia Dortmund teammate Jan Koller in a poll of journalists.
Inspirational season
As well as helping the Czech Republic top their qualifying section, Group 3, Nedved also had an inspirational season with Juventus, the Italian champions and beaten UEFA Champions League finalists.
Coach award
National coach Karel Brückner was voted best coach, the Czech Republic having won four and drawn one of their five EURO 2004™ matches. Mario Licka from FC Baník Ostrava was chosen as the best young player, while the 1. FC Synot striker Jirí Kowalík picked up the top scorer's prize for his 16 goals in the 1. liga.
