ADVERTISEMENTS

Czech Republic banking on experience ahead of World Cup return

The wider list of 54 players also ‌includes Slavia Prague striker Tomas Chory and ‌midfielder David Doudera who both received red cards in the weekend derby that was abandoned after ‌fans stormed the pitch and were ⁠later removed from ‌the club.

The national team, led by 74-year-old Miroslav ​Koubek, will face Kosovo on May 31st in Prague before leaving for ​a training camp in New Jersey to prepare for the tournament in Canada, the United ⁠States and ​Mexico.

Koubek took over the national team following a shock qualification loss to the Faroe Islands and guided the Czechs through the playoffs to ‌their first World Cup appearance since 2006.

The players who featured in the successful playoff wins against Ireland and Denmark make up the core of the squad, including Wolverhampton defender Ladislav Krejci, Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Pavel Sulc and 35-year-old Vladimir Darida, who plies his trade in the Czech top tier ‌for Hradec Kralove.

Hoffenheim striker Adam Hlozek, who has ​had injury problems, also returns, and ‌17-year-old Sparta Prague midfielder Hugo Sochurek gets a chance to make his international debut.

The Czechs begin their World Cup campaign against South Korea in Group A on ⁠June 12th before ⁠facing co-hosts Mexico ‌and South Africa.

Outras notícias