Czechs make dignified exit

Czech striker Milan Baros, who remains the tournament’s leading scorer with five goals, summed up their feelings when he said: “We’re sad and we’re disappointed because we played some great football but we have to go home now. I didn’t want to be watching the final on television but that’s football. For me, it is not good enough. Being top scorer cannot compensate me for this.”

The Czech players, whose flowing attacking football, sweeping moves and pure skill had lit up the tournament and carried them to four successive wins, slumped to the ground in virtual disbelief. It was, said coach Karel Bruckner, the first time his team had conceded a goal from a corner in 30 games stretching back three years.

But he congratulated Greece on their clever tactical triumph — they used two markers to negate the threat of Baros and his strike partner Jan Koller plus a defensive sweeper — and wished them well in the final.

“I’m disappointed but this is not a bitter ending for me or the team,” said Bruckner. “I’ve been in the dressing room and told the team I’m proud of every one of them and our captain Pavel Nedved has told them this team is the best international side he’s ever played with.”

For Nedved, accidentally injured and forced to withdraw after 40 minutes, it was the second time he had tasted defeat by a decisive goal in extra time. At Euro 96, the Czechs went down to a golden goal in the final against Germany.

Czech right back Zdenek Grygera said the loss of Nedved, their captain and midfield inspiration, was a serious blow. “He’s a very big influence for us in every way,” said Grygera. “He’s our captain and our leader. When he came back, he sat on the bench and cheered us and he spoke to every player before extra time started.” We missed him on the field.” (Reuters)

TURNING POINT

Obviously, the injury to Nedved. The Czechs were not their usual sparkling self before he limped off in the 33rd minute but, following that, lacked direction and focus. Amd, more importantly, a leader who could take the game by the scruff of the neck