Czechs make dignified exit

The Czech Republic squad left Portugal on Friday with heads held high following their shattering silver goal Euro 2004 semi-final defeat by Greece.

There were no complaints about the result and no moans about the referee, who allowed their rhythmic attacking play to be broken up by the destructive Greek tactics and niggling infringements.

Instead, following a perfect example set by their coach Karel Brueckner, the Czech players went through their post-match media duties with their usual honesty and integrity, admitting that their skilful team had simply been ambushed.

Their stunning 1-0 loss, to a goal headed in by Traianos Dellas from a corner in the final minute of first-half extra time, left the Czechs facing an unavoidable truth. In the end, they had all the style but not quite enough substance.

Brueckner, loyal to his players and tactics throughout the tournament, must have felt mugged by the Greek side's German coach Otto Rehhagel, who freely admitted he had set out to stop the Czechs playing in the hope of nicking a result.

But Brueckner ignored all opportunities to complain, instead praising his players as they headed home after proving that they remain one of the most gifted and adventurous teams in Europe.

Milan Baros, the 22-year-old striker who is likely to finish as the tournament's top scorer with five goals, endured an evening of frustration but was still generous in defeat.

"We are all really most disappointed at the way we lost," he told reporters. "It is so hard to go out that way. It is impossible to recover from a goal like that, scored in the last few seconds of the first half.

"We really wanted to reach the final and play against Portugal and it is a shame we shan't be there. I don't think the two best teams are in the final, but congratulations to Greece on winning."

QUALIFYING CAMPAIGN

Brueckner said it was too soon to talk about the future and the qualifying campaign for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

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Midfielder Karel Poborsky, who won his 99th cap against Greece, was the first Czech player down the tunnel after the semi-final and at the age of 32 is expected to announce his international retirement.

Inspirational captain Pavel Nedved was forced to limp off injured against the Greeks after 40 minutes and he was sorely missed.

"He is a very big influence for us in every way," fullback Zdenek Grygera said. "He is our captain and our leader. We missed him on the field."

Nedved hinted before the tournament that he was ready to retire from international football and he may join Poborsky and possibly midfielder Vladimir Smicer and striker Jan Koller in quitting the national side.

Much will depend on the 64-year-old Brueckner's vision of the future and, as always in the Czech camp, decisions will be taken in the best interests of the team rather than any individuals.