Kazakhstan bank on Czech Beránek

Miroslav Beránek has agreed to coach Kazakhstan for the rest of the year knowing that improved results in UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group A could earn him a full-time contract.

The Football Federation of Kazakhstan (KFF) has been seeking to make an appointment since parting company with Bernd Storck in October. His two-year reign was ended after a 3-0 home defeat by his native Germany, a fourth successive loss that left Kazakhstan point-less, three adrift of Azerbaijan at the foot of the section having played a game more.

"We contacted various candidates but they all wanted to sign for a longer spell, including the next qualifying cycle," said KFF general secretary Sayan Khamitzhanov. "Only Mr Beránek wasn't afraid of the challenge to finish ahead of Azerbaijan. At the end of the year we'll get a clear picture whether we will be continuing our partnership."

The 53-year-old Beránek was part of the coaching team for his native Czech Republic in both the UEFA EURO 2004 and 2006 FIFA World Cup campaigns, having previously led the Czech team to glory at the 2002 UEFA European Under-21 Championship finals.

At club level, he guided FK Chmel Blšany into the top flight, before leading SK Slavia Praha to success in the Czech Cup and Debreceni VSC to the Hungarian title in 2006/07.

Beránek, a fluent Russian speaker, said: "I would like Kazakhstan to play like Barcelona, but obviously I'm realistic. I do think we'd be able to play a style like Real Madrid with quick ball control and a solid defence. Kazakhstan is well known for its political, economical and sporting achievements, and I want to help the football team to reach greater heights."