Olympic heroes inspire Pekhart's Czech mates

Tomáš Pekhart told UEFA.com the Czech Republic would draw inspiration from their nation's Olympic heroes as they bid to reach the UEFA European Under-21 Championship final and clinch a place at next year's London Games by beating Switzerland.

To prepare for Wednesday's semi-final encounter in Herning, coach Jakub Dovalil showed his squad a DVD showcasing the Czechs' greatest Olympic triumphs from cross-country skier Kateřina Neumannová's gold in Turin in 2006 to the famous ice hockey team that triumphed at the 1998 Nagano Games.

"It was just a few images to give us a boost, both physically and mentally. I think it helped us – it gave me goose bumps," said Pekhart, who was only eight when the Czechs won that ice hockey gold in Japan, a victory that has legendary status in the country.

"Everyone knows about that. It's one of the biggest things that we've done in ice hockey. It was unbelievable. We want to do the same, but we have to qualify first. I had to choose between football and ice hockey when I was ten – I hope it was a good choice for me."

The powerful striker has little to regret after plumping for studs over skates. Although he proved unable to establish himself at Tottenham Hotspur FC, Pekhart's performances back on home soil with AC Sparta Praha last season convinced German club 1. FC Nürnberg to offer him a four-year deal.

While the Bundesliga awaits, Pekhart still has unfinished business in Denmark, and after scoring the winner in the dramatic 2-1 defeat of England to help propel his nation into the last four, he is confident of adding to his tally of ten in the competition since qualifying began.

"Every single goal helps a striker with his confidence – it makes you feel good," said the 22-year-old, who came off the bench against England after starting the first two Group B matches. "The first two games were very difficult for me. I didn't get the ball very often. That sapped a lot of my energy and strength. The coach left me on the bench, because he wanted to have me as a super-sub, putting me on when he needed it. I did it – I came on and scored."

Boosted by Pekhart's competition-high nine goals, the Czech Republic were the second most prolific attack in qualifying – a clinical streak that will be useful against an iron-clad Switzerland defence that has yet to concede at the finals. "They're a strong side, but I think their group was a bit easier than ours, because we had such a difficult three games. And the last 20 minutes against England gave us our confidence back."

Pekhart countered that the Swiss would not relish the prospect of facing an imposing Czech back four themselves: "We play quite deep, and compact. We have great defenders and Marcel Gecov is good in front of them, so it's difficult to play against us, too."