Jan Koller, Borussia Dortmund and Czech Republic striker
When we consider the contenders for soccer supremacy, Brazil, Netherlands, England, and Argentina are mentioned time and time again. Even Ukraine and Croatia get a mention. But the Czech Republic are no slouches either. They rank FIFA no 2, the ranking system which has been subject to much ridicule.
But the Czech Republic had a very impressive run up qualifying for the World Cup finishing just behind Netherlands in Group 1. This is their first World Cup qualification as the Czech Republic. They have been to 8 other World Cups as Czechoslovakia and been runners up twice, in 1930 to Uruguay and in 1962 to Brazil.
Their forward line is led by tall and imposing 6′ 7″Jan Koller of Borussia Dortmund who is just getting back from a knee injury. He is the Czech Republic’s top striker scoring 40 goals in 67 matches. And was just behind Portugal’s Pauleta in scoring goals in the WC qualifiers with nine. The other stiker is Aston Villa’s MIlan Baros, who saw a previous stint at Liverpool in the EPL for four years before moving onto Villa. Baros scored 8 goals in 24 appearances for his new club. Baros is an opportunistic striker and is deadly with half chances.
The midfield is anchored by veterans Pavel Nedved of Juventus, Karel Poborsky (Ceske Budejovice) and young talent Tomas Rosicky of Borussia Dortmund (soon to join Arsenal with Roberto Pires departure). Petr Cech (Chelsea) anchors the team at goal.
Vladimir Smicer (Bordeaux) and ex-Liverpool midfielder has been ruled out for this World Cup because of injury.
The Czech Republic beat Costa Rica 1-0 in a friendly yesterday with their second string players.