Outright Odds: 33/1
Group E Winners: 9/4
The Czech Republic may be ranked by FIFA as the second best team in the world behind Brazil and the best in Europe but they made hard work of qualifying for the finals. Pitted against Holland in qualifying, they lost home and away and also suffered defeat in Romania to finish second in the group. They won both home and away 1-0 against Norway in the play-offs to secure their place in Germany.
Despite a nervous qualification, expectations are high this time around for the Czech’s first appearance in the finals since they entered as Czechoslovakia in 1990. The side have not been out of FIFA’s top six since 2004 and can no longer be dubbed underdogs or outsiders. Under their old guise they twice finished runners-up in both 1934 and 1962 and they have the ability to go one better this time around.
For many of the current squad, it’s now or never, as the attacking force of Tomas Galasek, Karel Poborsky, Jan Koller and Pavel Nedved, back out of retirement, are all entering the veteran stage of their careers. All made their mark a decade ago as the Czech Republic surprised everyone by reaching the final of Euro 96 and taking eventual winners Germany into extra time.
Under manager Karel Bruckner, who took charge in 2001 after a successful spell as under-21 coach, the Czechs can be a real force to be reckoned with. Nobody scored more goals in the European qualifying campaign than Bruckner’s side and it’s hardly surprising, given his choice of tactics.
The Czechs play a cavalier style of attacking football that can be breathtaking to watch. Who can forget their classic Euro 2004 against Holland in which they battled back from 2-0 down to win the match 3-2?
With Nedved, Galasek, Poborsky and Tomas Rosicky, the Czechs boast one of the most creative midfields in international football. Jan Koller struck nine times in qualifying to take his tally to 40 goals in 66 appearances but he is in danger of missing out on the finals after suffering cruciate ligament damage in September 2005.
While almost unstoppable in attack, where the Czechs fall short is in defence. Full backs Marek Jankulovski and Zdenek Grygera offer plenty of attacking support from the back but are prone to being caught out. But given their overall ability they are worth a shout to win the tournament at long odds.
Recommended Bet:
At odds greater than 2/1, the Czechs offer much better value than Italy to win the group given their potency in attack. According to FIFA the Czechs are Europe’s top side yet the bookmakers don’t fancy their chances given the odds on offer. At 33/1, the Czechs offer good each-way value to win the tournament outright.
Czech Republic to win Group E @ 9/4
E/W Czech Republic to win the World Cup @ 33/1
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