Striker Shortage Troubles Czech Republic
June 22, 2006
Stating what many thought since the group lottery in December, Czech Republic coach Karel Brückner told reporters his team's most difficult match would be against the Italians.
"Italy are definitely the strongest opponents (in the group)," Brückner said, even after losing 2-0 to Ghana. "Their defensive play, especially 20 or 30 meters from their box, is very good."
But not everyone on the Italian team is ready to admit to standing like a wall on their own side of the field. Uncompromising defending was the cornerstone of past Italy triumphs, and Italian captain Fabio Cannavaro said he believes the current team need to tighten up at the back.
"We have to start being more Italian, more cynical," the 32-year-old said. "The secret to going a long way in the tournament is to revert back to a more typically Italian defensive approach."
"Our formation is an attacking one, but we mustn't forget how to defend," he added.
Italy can bounce back
Italy defeated Ghana 2-0 in their opening match before being held to a 1-1 draw by the United States.
The Azzuri performance against the Americans drew heavy criticism from the Italian press, but Cannavaro insisted they would bounce back against the Czechs.
"Against the US we weren't able to impose our kind of play," said the defender who took over as Italy captain after Paolo Maldini retired in 2002. "We were too passive and we were surprised by their initiative. Now we have a chance to put things right against the Czechs."
Czechs facing firepower problem
Injured since the beginning of the Cup, Czech star striker and playmaker Milan Baros may be back in time for the crucial Italy match.
"I am still not 100 percent, but of course I am hoping that I can play," Baros said after the Czechs had a training session behind closed doors on Tuesday.
The Czechs' other first-choice striker, Jan Koller, tore a thigh muscle in the 3-0 win over the United States and did not play when his team crashed to a 2-0 defeat against surprise packages Ghana in their second match.
Another forward, Vratislav Lokvenc, is suspended for the Italy game after receiving his second yellow card of the tournament in the Ghana match.