Baros hoping to play for Czechs

Czech Republic striker Milan Baros is desperate to be fit for his side’s crucial World Cup qualifier against Finland in Helsinki.

The Aston Villa hitman is suffering from an Achilles problem but hopes a full day of rest and recuperation today will enable him to turn out against the Finns in a match the Czechs have to win to obtain a play-off spot.

With forwards Jan Koller and Vratislav Lokvenc already out through injury, it would be a major blow for the Czechs to lose Baros as well.

“I cannot say anything for certain, it was painful when I tried to train,” Baros told Czech TV.

“I still have a whole day to try to recover though.”

Czech hopes of a first World Cup finals appearance since 1990 took a dive at the weekend when they suffered a 2-0 loss at home to Holland, a result which left them third in Group One, a point behind second-placed Romania who have already completed their quota of matches.

That means victory against Finland is imperative and Baros is certainly aware of the importance of Wednesday’s match.

“It may change our careers. We must give our maximum to the game and win three points. There is no other way,” he said.

Better news for Czech coach Karel Bruckner is that Ajax midfielder Tomas Galasek is fit to play and should start.