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Czech Republic

How they got there: The Czechs finished top qualifiers ahead of Germany, emphasising their class with a 3-0 win over Joachim Low's outfit to seal their spot. Their defence is as tight as a drum, conceding just five goals on the way to the finals. Coach - Karel Bruckner: Joined the natinal side after a successful spell in charge at SK Sigma Olomouc. Bruckner's Czech side blew everyone away with their cheek and pace at the 2004 tournament. Star player - Petr Cech: Agile, inspirational and technically brilliant, Chelsea's No.1 is probably the best keeper in the tournament. Buy the Czech kit here

Buy Euro 2008 tickets here Tactics: The Czechs play a 4-4-2 with Baros and Koller the pointmen. But with Koller out of sorts the lion's share of the task will fall to Baros instead. In defence, Milan left-back Marek Jankulovski and Fiorentina’s Ujfalusi impress, while Rosicky takes up the reins in midfield. Strengths: The Czechs enjoy some real talent throughout their side and have shown in the past that, on their metal, they're more than a match for the big boys. Weaknesses: Despite finishing top of their group the mercurial Czech team seems vulnerable psychologically, almost disinterested at times. Verdict: Likely to make the quarters, but no further. If they were a band they would be: Dire Straits Helpful translation - "Myslím, že si můžeme odskočit zpět na příští zápas" is "I think we can bounce back for the next game." Euro 2008 - Official ball and replica balls

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