Baros plays down Rosicky loss

Czech Republic striker staying confident

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 3rd June 2008

Milan Baros Czech

Baros: Missing Rosicky

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Milan Baros believes Czech Republic can be successful at Euro 2008 despite being without Tomas Rosicky.

Rosicky was ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury earlier this month and Baros admits it was a blow to lose the Arsenal playmaker's services.

However, Baros feels that Czech Republic have had sufficient time to absorb the disappointment and insists there is enough quality in the squad to compensate.

"The mood is good because we had a great training camp two weeks ago," the Portsmouth striker told Sky Sports News.

"We know we are going to miss Rosicky but the team is not just about one player.

"He is a great player for us but we know we are going to miss him so we have to make sure we perform even without him."

Cech ready for opener

Baros' team-mate Petr Cech, meanwhile, has played down the significance of Czech Republic's opening match against Switzerland.

Cech accepts that it would be ideal to make a winning start against the co-hosts on Saturday but thinks Czech Republic could still bounce back from a defeat to qualify for the quarter-finals.

"It is really important but I wouldn't say it is the most important," explained the Chelsea goalkeeper.

"If you look at history there are examples of teams losing their first game and going on to the final

"Of course it is important to kick off and start the tournament well because when you get three points it is a big advantage, but I wouldn't say this is the most important game of the group."

Czech Republic take on Portugal in their second game and then Turkey in their third and final Group A match.