Čech seeks finishing touch in Munich

Petr Čech is keen for the Czech Republic to seal their place at UEFA EURO 2008™ "as soon as possible" as they chase an all-important Group D point in Munich.

Finishing touch
With Germany having booked their ticket to the finals with Saturday's 0-0 draw in the Republic of Ireland, Karel Brückner's Czechs will hope to take the sparkle out of their neighbours' qualification celebrations by earning at least a point on Wednesday. "We want to get a point and secure qualification as soon as possible," said Chelsea FC goalkeeper Čech. "I hope we can manage it in Munich."

German motivation
Beaten 2-1 at home by Germany earlier in the campaign, the Czech Republic are only too aware that they will not have an easy ride. "The Germans are very strong opponents – they are certainly no worse than they were at the [2006 FIFA] World Cup where they finished third," said the 25-year-old. "They want to celebrate winning qualification in front of their own fans and will be motivated, so any newcomers in our side will have a great stage to perform on."

Winning run
The Czechs will be without the suspended Marek Jankulovski, Jan Polák and Milan Baroš while playmaker Tomáš Rosický is doubtful with a thigh problem. Hamburger SV's David Jarolím, one of four Germany-based players in the visiting squad, could replace him in midfield and would be delighted to try his luck again at FC Bayern München's home stadium. "I have won there twice with Hamburg and don't want to break that run," said Jarolím.

Summer bookings
Brückner's team, who expect to bring 6,000 fans to Munich, are sufficiently confident of at least hanging on to second place in Group D – where they trail Germany by three points – to be considering accommodation in Austria and Switzerland next summer. The players want to return to Seefeld in Austria where they have trained this week. "The conditions were excellent," said Čech. "I think it has helped us relax in the middle of a hard season and to prepare well for Munich."