Sport
The greatest Czech team of all time
European football has seen many nations emerge from former nations as stronger nations. Few celebrate a rich history quite like the Czech Republic. Born from the ashes of Czechoslovakia, the Czech’s have forged a strong reputation as one of Europe’s toughest tests to overcome. Coming off a nation that had previously reached two World Cup finals, the Czech Republic’s best showing came at Euro 19996 where they finished second to Germany. Throughout this time, the nation has been blessed by a raft of players that have become some of the world’s best down the years. But who has joined the ranks from yesterday and become part of Czechia’s greatest XI ever?
GK: Petr Cech
The Czech’s have had plenty of stellar keepers but few have reached the feats that Petr Cech has. Cech’s fearless nature and speedy reactions made him a star for any team to get a hold of. It was in England where Cech enjoyed his best years with the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal. During his decade long stint at Stamford Bridge, Cech was one of the best keepers in the world helping Chelsea win 4 Premier League titles during this time. His own performances were highly lauded winning 4 Premier League Golden Glove awards as well as being named UEFA’s Best European Goalkeeper on 4 occasions. Having also been named Czech Footballer of the Year a record 9 times, it’s safe to say Cech that was more than a generational talent.
RB: Tomas Repka
Anyone automatically knew if they had been in a defensive duel with Tomas Repka. A physical powerhouse, it was virtually impossible to beat Repka in the air or in a one on one duel. It was why he was a sought-after player after breaking through with Sparta Prague. A regular for the likes of English side West Ham and Italian side Fiorentina, Repka was a player many feared crossing paths with on the pitch. Aside from winning the 2001 Coppa Italia with Fiorentina, Repka also won 4 Czech First Division titles with Sparta Prague either side of his journeys across Europe. These accolades saw Repka named as one of Sparta’s all-time All Stars and a legendary figure at home and abroad.
LB: Marek Jankulovski
For many, Marek Jankulovski was a player who could shine in both defence or midfield. However, his exploits at left-back made him one of Europe’s best all-round players. Known for his excellent passing, creative plays and precise tackling, Jankulovski had a skillset that any team wanted which saw him leave Banik Ostrava and shine for the likes of Napoli and AC Milan. During his time with Milan, Jankulovski was a part of a team that won Serie A, the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup. For his efforts with them, Jankulovski was named 2007 Czech Footballer of the Year. A proof of his efforts and success at the highest level of the sport.
CB: Miroslav Kadlec
One of the fearless Czech defenders of the 1990s, Miroslav Kadlec was always a player that could get results when in the backline. This was seen during his 8-year run in Germany with Kasierslautern he was a part of two Bundesliga titles wins in 1991 and 1998. Being the rock of their defence, it saw Kadlec evolve into a leader of both club and country. It was leading his country where Kadlec was most famous as he helped them to the final of Euro 1996 before losing to Germany in the final. After retiring in 2002, Kadlec retired to pursue other ventures having left his mark with both club and country.
CB: Ladislav Novak
When it comes to legendary leaders, few Czech players have done this better than Ladislav Novak. A fearless defender, Novak spent almost his entire career with Dukla Prague who dominated the Czech league in the 1960s. Novak’s best exploits came with the Czechoslovakia national team however. Playing with them across three World Cups, Novak was the captain that guided them to the 1962 World Cup final where they lost to a Pele-inspired Brazil in the final. Novak was also a major part of the 1960 European Championship squad where he was included in the tournament-end Squad of the Tournament. A legend who inspired many footballers to this very day.
CM: Tomas Rosicky
For much of the 2000s, there were few midfielders that could cover the middle of the park quite like Tomas Rosicky. Known for exquisite passes and a ferocious long-range shot, Rosicky proved himself to be one of the best box-to-box midfielders of the 21st century. Starring for the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal, Rosicky could change a game in the blink of an eye. He always made an impact wherever he went which was proved by being included in the 2002 Bundesliga Team of the Season and being named Czech Footballer of the Year on 3 occasions. With such a list of accomplishments in his CV, it’s fair to say Rosicky lived up to the hype many expected when he first emerged at Sparta Prague in the late 1990s.
CM: Antonin Panenka
One of the most creative midfielders of his generation, Antonin Panenka is a name many know in the footballing world. Best known for the creative penalty he took in Euro 1976, Panenka was more than just a one-trick wonder. His all-round creative play and eye for goal made him one of the deadliest midfielders in European football. He proved this in spells with both Bohemians Prague and Rapid Vienna as well as being named as Czech Footballer of the Year in 1980. It was Panenka’s penalty that won Czechoslovakia their only international title at Euro 1976 in one of football’s most famous moments. Since his retirement, Panenka’s achievements have been remembered to this day as proven by his Golden Foot nomination in 2014.
CM: Josef Masopust
There was never a moment when Josef Masopust was never evolving his game. Always finding new ways to pick out team-mates, Masopust could always play and unlock defences with ease. He could also win the ball back with efficient tackles and closing down opponents without any delay. It was why he is the star of a Dukla Prague side that won 8 Czechoslovakia First Division titles in the 1960s and also helped Czechoslovakia reach the 1962 World Cup final. It was in this tournament that he won the Silver Ball and was also awarded the Silver Ball. Masopust’s influence has been felt to this day due to his inclusion in the FIFA 100 and named as their Golden Player by UEFA in 2003.
LW: Pavel Nedved
Best known for sporting long blonde hair, Pavel Nedved was a player that oozed both style and substance. Remarkably quick on the ball, Nedved could drive play forward with ease and take out defences with one flick of a boot. It was why he had a highly successful run in Italy with the likes of Lazio and Juventus. He played a major part in Lazio winning a surprising Serie A title in 1999 as well as winning two more titles with Juventus in 2002 and 2003. Nedved’s achievements have been well-recognized having been named Czech Footballer of the Year 4 times and even winning the 2003 Ballon D’Or prize. All these accolades have proven Nedved to be one of the greatest footballers to play in the last 30 years.
RW: Karel Poborsky
During his career, Karel Poborsky was a player who lived for the limelight. Whenever he needed to perform, he could pull off magical strikes or crazy assists without much effort. He did this well for the Czech Republic with several stunning strikes at both Euro 1996 and Euro 2004. This was underlined by being top assists at both tournaments earning him several awards from across Europe. This came on top of notable stints with the likes of Benfica, Napoli and Manchester United. Further proof that Poborsky was a player made for the big time.
ST: Jan Koller
If you ever needed proof that big men could be devastating weapons, then look no further than Jan Koller. Koller shone due to him standing at 6ft 8 yet had the footwork and pace that belied other strikers his size. This also came with an obvious aerial threat that he put to good use season after season. This was particularly true for the Czech Republic where he scored 55 goals for his nation – a record that is unsurpassed in both the Czech and Czechoslovakia eras. It’s longstanding proof that some big men can be more than just a weapon to use in the penalty area.
