Focused Lácha looks for next level

Patrik Lácha admits the Czech Republic can scarcely believe the position in which they find themselves, yet he is eager to grasp the opportunity to take on Serbia in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship semi-finals.

Lácha's squad conceded first in their opening two games yet successfully turned around that deficit on each occasion, Tuesday's 1-0 win against Greece taking them into the last four as the winners of Group A. "This a huge success for us," the FK Teplice forward told UEFA.com. "Before the finals we weren't dreaming about getting this far, maybe only a little part of us considered it, but it's great for us."

Despite their joy at securing progress, Lácha and his team-mates did not get carried away with their achievement, knowing full well the scale of the task that still lies ahead. "We didn't really celebrate beating Greece because we have the semi-final to look forward to on Friday – we're not going to party with that coming up," he explained. "We talked a bit amongst ourselves but we were so tired that after just a few minutes we all went to bed."

The Czechs certainly expended plenty of energy against Greece, starting the game slowly before gradually gaining control and Lácha, who scored a thunderbolt to beat the Republic of Ireland on Matchday 2, turning provider to play in strike partner Tomáš Přikryl for the only goal with 20 minutes left. "Greece was a difficult match because we knew a draw was enough to qualify and it's not easy to concentrate 100% in that situation. For me, Ireland were our toughest opponents as they played really well, especially in the first half, but we felt more pressure on our shoulders against Greece because after two wins we'd started thinking about getting through."

Their status as group winners means Jaroslav Hřebík's team do not have to face Spain in the last four, although their No11 would have been unfazed by that hurdle in any case. "It wasn't that important to avoid Spain at this stage; we respect them but we're not afraid of them," he said. "I'm tired after playing physical football so I can't wait to deal with such a technical team. I love to play without the ball, to press and strike on the counterattack."

The prospect of a Spanish test must wait for the time being, although Lácha acknowledges the Czechs' superlative form – after losing their first competitive U19 game of the season they are unbeaten in the last eight, winning the last five – ensures they will be in good heart in Mogosoaia. "The unbeaten run has taken us to another level in our heads, and that's a great feeling," he said. "Serbia will be very tough opponents but every game in these finals has been like that.

"Both teams will approach the match in the same way; I expect it to be quite a careful start because the first goal will change everything," Lácha said. "We'll approach it the same way as we've done for every group fixture. We'll play our own style because it's quite good and every opponent in these finals has had a problem with it. We'll try to do that again and maybe we'll be lucky enough to win."