Mixed emotions in Montenegro

ONE man, at least, will look on Montenegro’s play-off with a degree of bitterness.

Zlatko Kranjcar, Niko’s father, was dismissed as Montenegro coach in September, and still no explanation has been forthcoming. If he really was dismissed for a defeat by Wales when he was without the entirety of his first-choice back four the decisions seems absurdly harsh.

Kranjcar essentially was responsible for getting Montenegro into the play-off, even – it shouldn’t be forgotten – of making England fret about whether they would take top spot and automatic qualification. Moreover, he did so largely without Stevan Jovetic, one of the two bright attacking presences in the side. When he inspired Montenegro to a 0-0 draw at Wembley, he even managed it without the other one, Mirko Vucinic, as well.

Both are back for the trip to Prague, but the big issue is the new coach. Branko Brnovic’s two games in charge have only raised more questions: praise him for inspiring the second-half fight-back against England, or ask why Montenegro were so limp in the first? Criticise him for the 2-0 defeat in Switzerland, or accept that the game was meaningless and minds – and Jovetic and Vucinic — were elsewhere?

If Montenegro’s recent form is indifferent – no win in five competitive games – the Czech Republic’s is little better, with just three wins in their last 11. Petr Cech is a doubt for the Czech Republic and if he does play, he will have to wear a face mask to protect a broken nose. Holding midfielder Tomas Hubschman is suspended.

CZECH REPUBLIC (probable): P Cech, T Gebreselassie, T Sivok, J Rajnoch, M Kadlec, P Jiracek, J Rezek, T Rosicky, D Kolar, V Pilar, M Baros.

MONTENEGRO (probable): M Bozovic; S Savic, M Basa, M Dzudovic, M Jovanovic; M Pekovic, E Zverotic, V Bozovic, S Vukcevic; S Jovetic, M Vucinic.