Czech Republic squad penpix ahead of the European Championship semi-final against Greece on Thursday:
GOALKEEPER:
1-Petr Cech (Stade Rennes) Born: 20.5.82 Caps: 22. Replaced Pavel Srnicek as first choice after an excellent performance at the 2002 European under-21 championship finals and has proved he is up to the task with a series of confident displays at Euro 2004. Cech, whose name means Czech, will join Chelsea after the finals and looks a good buy on this form.
DEFENDERS:
2-Zdenek Grygera (Ajax Amsterdam) Born: Caps: 24, goals: 1. Had a terrible time trying to deal with Arjen Robben early in the game against the Dutch and had to be taken off after 25 minutes. Was brought back into the team as a substitute against the Danes, following an injury to Martin Jiranek, and is likely to be in the starting line-up against Greece. Has taken penalties at club level which should be useful in a shootout.
21-Tomas Ujfalusi (Hamburg) Born: 24.3.78 Caps: 29, goals: 2. Came into the tournament with a reputation as one of the best defenders in Europe and has looked very comfortable at the heart of the defence. Booked in the quarter-final win over the Danes, meaning another yellow card in the semi-final would keep him out of the final.
5-Rene Bolf (Banik Ostrava) Born: 25.2.74 Caps: 24, goals: 0. Missed the 3-2 win over the Dutch through illness and the Czech defence looked a lot less secure as a result. Very strong in the air, his partnership with Ujfalusi has been key to Czech success so far. Set to move to French side AJ Auxerre after the finals.
6-Marek Jankulovski (Udinese) Born: 9.5.77 Caps: 32, goals: 6. Had a few nervous moments in the opening game against Latvia but looked more secure against the Dutch and the Danes. Now firmly established as first-choice left-back for the Czechs after being converted from a midfielder at Euro 2000 and also shares penalty-taking duties with Koller. Another player in danger of suspension after being booked against Denmark.
22-David Rozehnal (Bruges) Born: 5.9.80 Caps: 8, goals: 0. Tall centre-back who did well when given a chance in the 2-1 victory over Germany and also came on as a substitute against the Dutch and the Danes. Unlikely to start the semi-final.
MIDFIELDERS:
8-Karel Poborsky (Sparta Prague) Born: 30.3.72 Caps: 98, goals: 7. Has been top class on the right of midfield and ready to win his 100th cap in the final if the Czechs make it that far. His return to form comes after a move to Slavia Prague, which resurrected his career. Before this tournament, was best remembered as the long-haired right winger whose chip gave the Czechs victory over Portugal in the Euro 96 quarter-finals.
4-Tomas Galasek (Ajax Amsterdam) Born: 15.1.73 Caps: 37, goals: 0. Has been his usual tidy self in the key holding role, except when enjoying a well-deserved rest in the game against Germany. Left Banik Ostrava to join Dutch side Tilburg in 1996 without his club's permission and four years later moved to Ajax, where he adds experience to a young team.
10-Tomas Rosicky (Borussia Dortmund) Born: 4.10.80 Caps: 38, goals: 8. Rosicky has started all four games so far, playing in a deeper role than he is used to at his club and doing his share of the hard work alongside Galasek. Famed for his composure, control and superb passing, he was a Bundesliga record transfer when he moved to Borussia Dortmund from Sparta Prague in 2001. Broke his arm in late February, which kept him sidelined for six matches. Was Czech Republic's player of 2001 and 2002.
11-Pavel Nedved (Juventus) Born: 30.8.72 Caps: 82, goals: 17. Has lived up to his billing as one of the most complete midfielders in Europe with his commanding performances here. The European Player of the Year in 2003, Nedved has a ferocious shot from outside the area and his sublime passing ability makes him a pleasure to watch. Shrugged off a knee problem to play in the 3-0 victory over Denmark but was booked in that game and will have to be careful against the Dutch. He missed the Champions League final against AC Milan in 2003 because of suspension.
FORWARDS:
15-Milan Baros (Liverpool) Born: 28.10.81 Caps: 29, goals: 21. The revelation of the tournament along with Wayne Rooney, Baros has scored five goals in four games, including two in the quarter-final against Denmark, to become top scorer. Strong and quick, he also possesses great control and will be the man the Greek defence fear most in the semis. Baros joined Liverpool in late 2001 and he found his feet at the English club with 12 goals in the 2002-3 season. Broke his ankle last September but fought his way back to fitness in February. Scored on his debut against Belgium at the age of 19.
9-Jan Koller (Borussia Dortmund) Born: 30.3.73 Caps: 54, goals: 29. The huge striker scored six times in the qualifying campaign and his first goal in the tournament started the Czech fightback in the 3-2 victory over the Netherlands in the group phase. He also scored in the quarter-final win over Denmark with a trademark header that showed his immense power in the air. Czech Player of the Year in 1999, his former clubs include Anderlecht, Lokeren and Sparta Prague.
18-Marek Heinz (Banik Ostrava) Born: 4.8.77 Caps: 13, goals: 3. Showed he can be a useful alternative to Koller when he scored the winner in the opening game against Latvia and also struck the net when given a start against Germany. Returned from an unsuccessful spell at SV Hamburg and refound his form at Banik Ostrava.
