Koubek steps down as Czech football coach

The coach of the Czech international football squad, Miroslav Koubek, has stood down following a disappointing showing for the country at the World Cup in North America. Koubek, who is 74, said he had resigned following what he called a media campaign against him, saying it made no sense for him to continue in the post given the present atmosphere.

Koubek’s first two games at the helm were playoff ties that the Czechs won to qualify for their first World Cup in two decades. However, in the competition they finished bottom of their group with only one point, amid widespread criticism of the team’s style of play.