Euphoria in Prague: Czechs end 20-year World Cup wait with dramatic win
Czechia’s footballers are going to the World Cup for the first time in two decades after a dramatic win over Denmark in Prague on Tuesday night. The Czechs will now face South Korea, South Africa and co-hosts at global soccer’s biggest showcase.
Around 30 minutes before midnight on Tuesday, Michal Sadílek converted the decisive penalty to send Czechia to their first World Cup since 2006 – and send the country’s fans into paroxysms of joy.
Czech supporters had their first moment of euphoria early on, when midfielder Pavel Šulc blasted the home side in front after only three minutes.
“It shook the game up. If it had come a bit later, they mightn’t have been so confident, because they knew they had the whole game to turn things around. But still, it was the most important goal I’ve scored. It’s a wonderful feeling. I’m very happy for the coach – and that we all pulled it off.”
The Danes eventually drew level toward the end of the game, leading to extra time. There the Czechs again went in front through key player Ladislav Krejčí after a goalmouth scramble, only for the visitors to equalise for a second time.
Denmark, who had been the favourites, may have felt the game was swinging in their favour at that point. If so, they failed miserably to confirm this in a penalty shootout, missing the target with two of their five attempts and seeing another saved by the Czech goalkeeper, Matěj Kovář.
“I believed that I could save at least one or two, and also that the guys would convert at least three or four. So thank God that happened. We’re so happy to have gotten there again after 20 years – a great feeling.”
Star striker Patrik Schick also referenced the fact the country haven’t been to a World Cup since Germany in 2006.
“It’s a massive success, to be playing on the greatest stage again after 20 years. It’s total euphoria. We’ve worked really hard to get there, so we’re super happy.”
Few would have bet on the Czechs reaching the competition in North America toward the end of last year, especially after a humiliating defeat to minnows the Faroe Islands.
But – despite no warmup games – veteran coach Miroslav Koubek oversaw two wins in his first two games as national team boss to get the Czechs through the playoffs.
And he is now set to become, at 74, the oldest manager ever at a World Cup.
“It’s an honour – it means a lot to me. But I have to admit I’m kind of amazed. It’s the greatest success of my life. Above all I’ve got to thank the players, who were great throughout this camp and in both games. Our faith was growing by the day and by the hour.”
The Czechs’ first game at the World Cup will be versus South Korea in Guadalajara on June 12. They will then face South Africa in Atlanta, followed by co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City.