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Czech skipper in confident mood
Ujfalusi expects title tilt
By Chris Burton
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Ujfalusi: Czechs are capable (skysports.com
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Tomas Ujfalusi believes Czech Republic have enough quality
to challenge for Euro 2008 glory.
The Czechs have a decent pedigree in European Championships, reaching
the final in 1996 and the last four in 2004.
However, they will miss the playmaking abilities of the retired Pavel
Nedved while the heir to his crown, Tomas Rosicky, has been ruled out
through injury.
Confidence is high among the camp, though, and their captain is convinced
that Karel Bruckner's troops have the capabilities to repeat Greece's
shock success four years ago.
"In 2004, we played football of the highest level but we didn't make
it to the final," said the rugged centre-half.
Replacements
"Some people have finished playing since then, great players like
(Vladimir) Smicer, (Vratislav) Lokvenc and Nedved.
"It was difficult for the coach to find adequate replacements but
we coped and in the qualifying phase, we finished first (ahead of Germany).
"But I guess we will only be able to assess this when the championships
are over. We will see."
Much was expected of the Czechs in Portugal back in 2004 and it came as
surprise when they fell to the eventual champions at the semi-final stage.
They are seen more as a dark horse this time around, capable of challenging
if they can cope without a number of key players.
Supporters
Ujfalusi admits that the loss of Arsenal star Rosicky, the man usually
charged with leading his country, has come as a blow, but feels that the
presence of the Gunners ace on the sidelines will help to raise spirits
among the squad.
"Of course, we are all sad that Tomas can't participate," added
Ujfalusi, who has recently completed a switch from Fiorentina to Atletico
Madrid.
"But he ranks among our biggest supporters and we have had a lot
of opportunities to talk to him.
"He is keeping his fingers crossed for us."
The Czechs get their campaign up and running against co-hosts Switzerland
on Saturday, before taking in further Group A fixtures against Portugal
and Turkey.
Skysports.com,
6th June 2008
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