We reveal all the facts regarding the National team under Pavel Vrba, a genuine surprise in these qualifications
Courage and determination, combined with a constantly offensive and positive mentality. These are the main features of the Czech Republic of Pavel Vrba, who with 12 points, leads Group A of the 2016 European Championship qualifiers, to be held in France.
The former Plzeň coach has brought back confidence and enthusiasm to the environment, after the disappointment of the failure to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, and the subsequent resignation of former coach Michal Bílek. All this thanks to some very risky tactical choices, which however, have “paid off”, as demonstrated by the four wins in four official matches played.
After the splendid four seasons at the helm of Viktoria Plzeň, where he twice won the league titles, the coach from Přerov unanimously convinced the members of the Czech Football Association, who chose him in order to make the national team strong again after the recent big flop.
Vrba did not disappoint the expectations, completely changing the face of a lifeless national team with no ideas. Always faithful to his 4-2-3-1, based on the model of Luciano Spalletti’s Roma team from the 2005-2006 season, he has managed to transform the defensive mentality and counterattack era Bílek, replacing it with a continuously positive, attack-minded philosophy of play. As for the performers, the new manager hasn’t revolutionized the squad, focusing on the “usuals”. Petr Čech continues to be a certainty between the posts, despite limited playing time with Chelsea. Kadeřábek, Kadlec and Limberský represent the fixed players in the defensive department, while in front of them, Darida and Vácha guarantee both the ball winning and the construction parts of the game, while the offensive poker of aces consists of Dočkal, Krejčí, the immortal Rosický and Lafata, captain and scorer of Sparta Prague.
As we said the main characteristic of the team are the ability to keep hold of the ball and to offer offensive action for the full 90 minutes, which has enabled them to score 10 goals in 4 games (an average of 2.5 per game). Yet it is not only this; high and suffocating pressing when not in possession, but also a great temperament, which allowed the National team of Lions to come back twice from initial disadvantages and bring home the three points, conquering the Sürü Saracoglü of Istanbul and beating Iceland, the real surprise of the qualifiers. This is all thanks to the constant movement of the three midfielders, who interchange positions constantly, trying not to give any reference points to their opponents. It is indeed on the wings where much of the play of the Czech Republic is developed, with sudden accelerations that put even top level opponents in serious difficulty, as was the case with the Netherlands in the first qualifying match. However, the other side of the coin shows a defensive unit which is anything but solid, capable of conceding a goal at the first opportunity available to opponents, and saved many times by the great Petr Čech. He and Tomáš Rosický are the pillars of this team due to their temperament, class and international experience, gained in their trophy-filled careers, and matches of the highest level played. However, alongside them, are young people with a highly interesting profile who stand out, already capable of attracting attention in the colours of various club. On the right is the attacking fullback Pavel Kadeřábek, born in 1992, and owned by Sparta Prague. The ease with which he sprints allows him to constantly push on the wing and make himself available in any offensive action of his team. At the same time, however, the 22 year old from Prague is also skilled in defense, as displayed by the excellent performance provided against the Netherlands, in the presence of the genuine threat Memphis Depay, who was never able to put him in serious difficulty. With his contract expiring next June and a renewal currently in a stalemate, who knows if Kadeřábek could also be a good opportunity for Italian clubs, who from February will be able to sign him on a free transfer. In front of him is Bořek Dočkal, who is also owned by Sparta. A genuine goalscorer and the top scorer of the National team with his three goals in four matches, Dočkal is a key player for this team, with his constant movement off the ball, finding space, and fast accelerations with the ball, creating havoc in the opposing defenses. The playmaker from Městec Králové seems to have reached a definitive maturity, and is ready to make the jump to a European club of the highest order, who can assure him with international visibility. On the other flank there is Ladislav Krejčí who, despite his 22 years, can already be considered a veteran of Vrba’s National team and Sparta, who continue to churn out talents at the service of Czech football. A pure talent, Krejčí combines great speed with the ball at his feet and refined technique. He can play in all three roles on the offensive frontline and the formation used by Vrba, with the three finishers, the features of this kid stand out even more, thanks to his constant movement between the lines and the ability to create numerical superiority in dribbling past opponents. In the last two seasons, has been getting himself noticed in the colours of Sparta Prague, both at league and international level, in the Europa League. Young but mature at a relatively low price, a perfect mix for a player to become a crack in international football. Last, but not least, Vladimír Darida, born in 1990. The central midfielder of Freiburg is having a great season, and seems to be leading in the hierarchies of Vrba, who used him four out of four times in official matches. A playmaker of velvety feet, who does not disdain defense either. Having been purchased from Freiburg two summers ago to the sum of 7.5 million euros of Viktoria Plzeň, Darida is enjoying a great season as a protagonist of both club and country. Having often been left on bench by former coach Bílek, with the arrival of Vrba he managed to make a splash immediately, consequently earning a starting spot.
Vrba has therefore created a perfect mix between experienced players, and quality young footballers. He has been able to re-engage the Czech fans, with a spectacular game and above all with results.
The glittering start of this new adventure has been brilliant. One can only wait for the next match to see if this Czech Republic side can return to making their fans dream, with their great hunger in the international arena, and eagerness to “avenge” the second place at Euro 1996 in England, following the final lost against Germany in extra time with a Golden Goal from Oliver Bierhoff.
by Alessandro De Felice