UEFA EURO reporter's view: Czech Republic
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Article summary
Czech Republic coach Pavel Vrba has picked a youthful squad – albeit with a few old-stagers – which team reporter Ondřej Zlámal feels could spring a surprise if the defence stands firm.
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Squad analysis
Pavel Vrba has never hesitated to include lesser-known names from the Czech First League in order to fit his system – this squad reflects that. Though veteran playmaker Tomáš Rosický has won his fitness race and all-time most-capped player Petr Čech will be in goal, this is a travelling party that will lean heavily on youth.
One to watch
Vladimír Darida made his senior international debut just prior to UEFA EURO 2012 and went on to appear in the quarter-final defeat against Portugal. Now far more experienced, the Hertha Berlin midfielder – a set-piece and long-range shooting specialist – will be a creative threat.
How they'll play
Vrba usually opts for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with both wingers pushing up in support of the lone striker. The full-backs are also encouraged to get forward at every opportunity. Will the Czechs be able to show sufficient flexibility in their group stage games?
What you won't know
Petr Čech will have mixed memories of the venues he will be visiting this summer. In Toulouse (where the Czech Republic play Spain on 13 June), he once saved three penalties, in February 2004, for Rennes in the French Cup. In Lens, though (Turkey, 21 June), also in February 2004, he twisted his elbow and missed five weeks of action.
How they'll do
The defence will need to stay sharp – and Čech will have to show his class – if the Czechs are to pose a threat in the group stage. If they remain solid enough, Vrba's charges should be able to counterattack as fluidly as they did in qualifying. Once into the knockout stage, who knows?
Most memorable EURO moment
My earliest EURO memory remains the best one. I was only five years old in 1976 but I still recall how nervous I was watching Antonín Panenka taking the decisive penalty in the final. To pull off such a clever trick at such a dramatic moment … it's still thrilling to watch even 40 years on. Our family had to buy a new sofa after that – my cousin and I broke it during our celebrations!
What I'm most looking forward to this summer
Unexpected results and the joy of the fans following those teams. I covered two Iceland qualifiers and am also interested to see how they get on. I will also find time to watch Austria, Wales and Slovakia.
Follow Ondřej throughout the finals on @UEFAcomOndrejZ