Ireland's conquerors Czechia deal with fallout of disastrous World Cup

Pavel Nedvěd insisted Miroslav Koubek will continue as Czechia manager

Pavel Nedvěd rejected suggestions Patrick Schick retired due to Czechia's poor performance at the World Cup. Pic: Lars Baron/Getty Images

As the inquest into Ireland’s World Cup conquerors Czechia deepens, legend Pavel Nedvěd insists their early elimination of the tournament is no disgrace.

Czechia’s playoff penalty shootout victory over Ireland in March, followed by another in the final against Denmark, earned them Group A matches against co-hosts Mexico, South Korea and South Africa.

Their paltry return of one point from nine, including a 3-0 humbling by the Mexicans, sent Miroslav Koubek’s team home early and 30-year-old Patrik Schick into international retirement.

It was the striker’s penalty, arising from Ryan Manning’s needless shirt pull, that cut Ireland’s lead in half during the semi-final in Prague but the hasty departure of the Bayer Leverkusen forward has heightened rumours of discord.

Nedvěd, the Ballon D’Or winner in 2003, was appointed general manager of his homeland’s federation 12 months ago but his reign has been blighted by controversy.

Manager Ivan Hasek was sacked after losing to Faroe Islands last October, Tomás Soucek stripped of the captaincy after his team failed to clap fans the next month and his choice of journeyman Miroslav Koubek as boss drew widespread flak.

Although Nedvěd insists Koubek will continue in the post, pressure is growing on the hierarchy. One of Nedvěd’s former teammates, ex-Manchester United winger Karel Poborský, said the team’s frailties were laid bare by getting anchored to the bottom of their table.

“I don't see falling out in the group as a disgrace," said the former Juventus midfielder, who won 91 caps.

"In the playoffs we didn't create as many chances as we did at the World Cup, but then again we weren't as solid at the back.

"We can't consider the tournament a success, but the boys did their best in the playoff matches and we got to the World Cup with a style of football that we didn't really change.

“We tried to be competitive, but the truth is that we didn't meet our maximum form. There are many factors.

“Unfortunately, it didn't work out, but I don't see it as a shame or embarrassment, which I hear from critics.” 

He’s ignoring that criticism, backing his 74-year-old manager and dismissing talk of Schick quitting in disillusionment. He was dropped for the final game against Mexico.

"Those critics enriched me with nothing,” he retorted. “There's not a single opinion there that I should bother with.

“We have the coach we wanted and we have him for two and a half years. Nothing changes.

“We had tried to the maximum to get a foreign coach before but this experienced coach can still give us a lot. I am convinced that Mr. Koubek is still the right choice.

“There was absolute harmony between me, the coach and the players. I didn't see any problems within the team.

"The misinformation that has appeared in some media is sad. I don't think Patrik's decision was made because of this tournament because I think he had it in his head for a long time.

“Maybe too much criticism was thrown at him but his fantastic numbers don't lie.” 

Koubek bemoaned the travel between Mexico and Atlanta for the matches and the effect altitude had on his players – especially Denis Višinský.

"Czech football has been lagging behind, we need to improve our play and select players who can compete at this level but I will definitely fulfil my contract. I never give up on any fights.” 

Nedvěd and his chief, President David Trunda, reached for the predictable ‘review’ masterplan, contending culpability for the failure delves into wider problems.

“The problem of not advancing from the group lies somewhere else than in the things that are being discussed because we have to change the functioning of the whole of football,” said Trunda.

“His (Koubek) position is not a topic at the moment.”