Cautious Smicer pinpoints defensive frailties

The Czech Republic have been installed as many people’s favourites for Euro 2004 as the big names continue to tumble out of the competition but midfielder Vladimir Smicer is concerned their challenge may falter because they do not know how to defend.

The Czechs have played some vibrant football and were the only team among the 16 finalists to win all three group games, which was some achievement as they were drawn in what was widely recognised as the competition’s “group of death”.