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Czech Republic - Betting Preview
30/03/2006
The Czech Republic, one of the most exciting teams in the Euro 2004, will be glad they face their toughest opponent Italy in the last of their group games on June 22. The eastern European side begin their campaign with a game against The United States in Gelsenkirchen and with a fit starting eleven they should be able to come out on top against a side who, although containing good professionals, will be full of journeyman players none of whom would get into the Czech side if naturalised.
The Czechs, nicknamed Locomotive, should be able to overcome World Cup newcomers Ghana in their second game on June 17 given their strength in depth and their opponents inexperience on the world stage. Indeed Ghana could be on their way out of the tournament if beaten by Italy in their first game and there seems no reason, at this stage, why they should be a match for the Czechs. If there is a problem with coach Karel Bruckner's team it is in attack. Milan Baros is described in some quarters as a headless chicken and possibly more unkindly by Aston Villa fans who have not seen the best out of him this season. He seems a better player on the international stage but his lack of current form will be a worry. The Czech Republic will hope to have qualified before they meet the Azzurri of Italy in their final group game in Hamburg. Whether they can progress in the tournament remains to be seen. They have a good midfield, if fit, and a solid defence. They should be able to thwart better offence teams than themselves but may find it hard to break down weaker sides.
Best bet could be Vratislav Lokvenc as top goalscorer at around 7/1. If you do fancy them to go all the way then Milan Baros at around 66/1 to be tournament top goalscorer looks tempting.
To qualify from Group 1.83
Not to Qualify from Group 1.83
Top Czech Republic Goalscorer
Milan Baros 3.00
Jan Koller 3.75
Tomas Rosicky 5.00
Pavel Nedved 5.50
Vratislav Lokvenc 7.00
Marek Jankulovski 11.00
1st - Czech Republic 2nd - Italy 4.00
1st - Italy 2nd - Czech Republic 2.75
1st - Czech Republic 2nd - USA 13.00
1st - Czech Republic 2nd - Ghana 26.00
1st - USA 2nd - Czech Republic 19.00
1st - Ghana 2nd - Czech Republic 34.00
Locomotive to win Group 3.0
Czech Republic to win World Cup 2006 25/1