How are the Czech national players reacting to the barrage draw? And what about the coach Jaroslav Šilhavý?

While in club football the Czech Republic has fallen to 20th place in the national coefficient rankings and the dream of 15th place is slowly receding, on the international scene the Czech Republic has been relatively lucky with the draw for the 2022 World Cup What are the reactions among the national team and what does coach Jaroslav Šilhavy have to say about the draw?

Although the lot decided that we will play our first match outdoors, and if we advance, we will also have to travel to the final match against Russia or Poland, which is not an optimal situation at all, but the fate of other possible opponents was much scarier.

We could have run into the reigning European champions (Italy) or the strong Portuguese led by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Compared to these opponents, Sweden seems like a viable opponent. But beware, the statistics clearly show that the northerners are the favourites to reach the final stage of the barrage.

Goalkeeper Tomáš Vaclík, midfielders Michal Sadílek, Tomáš Souček and winger Jakub Jankto commented on the draw.

First, however, let’s take a look at the immediate reaction of coach Jaroslav Šilhavy, who summed up the draw in one minute and outlined that now comes a proper analysis of the opponent and its players.

Reaction of the players

“It will be very important that all players are healthy and in good sporting shape in March. If we can get close to the performances we gave at the European Championships and at the beginning of the qualifiers, I believe we have a chance to succeed,” said Tomas Vaclik.

“When the options were gradually getting shorter and the fate was that we could face Portugal or Italy, Sweden is of course a weaker opponent on paper. If everybody is fit and healthy, there is a chance to qualify for the World Cup. We will do our best to do it,” commented Michal Sadílek.

Captain Tomáš Souček saw the situation similarly to his teammates. “I am satisfied with the lottery ticket because we avoided the two biggest giants. I am already looking forward to the matches and I believe that we will be ready enough to fight for the chance to qualify for the World Championship. I believe we have the squad to beat these teams.”

The most realistic assessment of the situation was made by winger Jakub Jankto. “Anyone can advance. We have a bit of a disadvantage in that the draw decided that we will play both games away. All four teams in this pool are evenly matched and it will be decided by luck, current form and details and the little things.”

Sources