Czech journey rekindles memories

DURING THEIR unexpected progress to the semi finals, the unfancied Czech Republic have invoked the spirit of eventual champions Denmark four years ago.

Stories of late night revelry with wives, girlfriends and willing accomplices in the Czech media until the small hours have accompanied their win over Italy, the last gasp 3-3 draw with Russia which earned qualification from the group of death and the quarter final defeat of the Portuguese.

Taking each game as it comes, and treating it all as a laugh. This apparently laid back attitude has served them well, although coach, Dusan Uhrin, was quick to point out that there is a limit to their off the pitch partying. "There is no beer here before games and tonight they'll be in bed by 11 p.m.

Uhrin admits he is "surprised" at his side's progress to the last four, as must be any member of the Republic of Ireland squad who had the better of their Prague friendly for almost an hour. "Getting to the final is the greatest motivation we could have," said Uhrin.

The Czechs' preparations have been undermined by suspensions to four of their players Radek Latal, Radck Bejbl, Pavel Kuka and Jan Suchoparek. Pavel Nedved returns from suspension while Lubos Kubik and Radek Drulak are also in contention.

However, Uhrin has a major worry over striker Patrik Berger, who is suffering from a fever. "We will have to change our tactics because of the suspensions and if Berger is out. He is 50-50 and we will wait until the last minute. It is my biggest wish to beat France but we are underdogs."

Ominously for the French, this semi final also has strong echoes of the Czechs' quarter final defeat of Portugal.

The Czechs will assuredly absorb pressure and seek to strike on the break against more fancied opponents who, for all their neat passing and superb technique, are similarly goal shy and lacking in attacking width.

This is compounded by the departure from the tournament of AC Milan bound Christophe Dugarry, who is having an operation at the Italian club today after suffering knee ligament damage.

Dugarry scored both goals when the French forced a 2-2 draw with the Czechs in a friendly in Bordeaux last year, though Uhrin accepts France have improved significantly since then.

So much so that Eric Cantona could get not get into the squad, something which the English media ceaselessly remind Aime Jacquet of and which the neutrals in the Old Trafford crowd are bound to.

"I don't regret leaving him out of the squad " says Jacquet, "for two years the national team has done well without him. Eric is one of the best in Europe but we've found we can do well without him.

"I've been to Old Trafford to watch him and we're looking forward to going there again. It's a great stadium."

Christian Karambeu is suspended (and five more carry one yellow cards into the semi final, Didier Deschamps, Youri Djorkaeff, Marcel Desailly, Blanc, and Eric Di Meco). Sabri Lamouchi, Alain Roche and Reynald Pedros are all candidates to replace them.