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The two losers fight: could the Czechs check the Danes? |
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June 21, 2000
LIEGE, Belgium (AP)- Despite their failure reach the quarterfinals of Euro 2000, the Czech Republic and Denmark are determined to go for victory in their farewell match Wednesday, if only to reward their fans.
After two close losses to co-host the Netherlands and world champion France, the Czechs will finally want to give the 6,000 fans who are expected to be at the game a parting present.
"Fans are a huge motivation for us, when you see how many of them came here you want to give them something in return," said goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek, referring to the thousands of supporters who created a home atmosphere for the Czechs during their match against France, and stood the test even in the game against one of the host nations, the Netherlands.
The Czech Republic will field the strongest line-up possible, as coach Jozef Chovanec says the European championship is no place for experiments.
"We're going for victory, everyone has tremendous motivation to show that we really can play soccer and we want to make sure we have the best possible players on the field," Chovanec said.
The Danes, on the other hand, are likely to give a chance to several substitutes.
"I'll try other players, that's for sure," coach Bo Johansson said ahead of his last match in charge of the national team. "In tournaments like this, you need experience, and this experience will help players in the future."
Denmark will again rely on the skills of its standout goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel.
"If we didn't have such a fantastic goalie, things could've been even worse," Johansson said.
With no goal scored and six conceded, the Danes have so far had the worst results of all 16 tournament participants. But the play they have been producing in spells of their matches against the Netherlands and France has been slightly more hopeful.
"The Danes didn't convert their early opportunities against France, their strikers appeared face to face with the goalie several times," said Czech coach Chovanec, warning that Denmark could finally get it right against his side. "Things could've been different had they had a tiny bit of luck.
Chovanec characterized the Danish team as "tough," full of players who have good reputation in various European leagues.
"It will be an uncompromising fight," Chovanec said.
After two games missed for suspension, the Czechs will finally have Liverpool midfielder Patrik Berger at their disposal, but his belated presence on the pitch will have a bitter taste in the mouth.
Berger's expulsion in the Czech Republic's final qualifying match against the subpar Faeroe Islands cost the team dear, as the Liverpool midfielder was a core element in the team.
"It's useless to go back to it now, we knew right away after that match that we will miss him a lot," said coach Jozef Chovanec.
"Patrik is 'starving' to play, he's looking forward to the match." Berger himself said he didn't want to go back to his team’s losses.
"The team played well in both matches, they have my respect," Berger said. "Now, it's time for victory." |