Czech football team face uphill battle to reach knock-out stage at World Cup

The Czech Republic are facing an uphill battle to reach the knock-out stage at the football World Cup. After losing against Ghana on Saturday, the Czechs need to at least draw with Italy on Thursday and hope for a favourable outcome in a game between Ghana and the USA.

Defender Tomas Ujfalusi and forward Vratislav Lokvenc will be suspended for the Italy match, while first choice strikers Milan Baros and Jan Koller remain doubtful.