Bruckner defends Czech squad

Czech Republic coach targets good tournament

Last updated: 5th June 2008

Bruckner defends Czech squad

Bruckner: Happy with preparation

Related links

Teams

Also see

Karel Bruckner has insisted that Czech Republic are just as strong now as when they reached the semi-finals in 2004.

The Czechs won many admirers for their flowing football four years ago but they were surprisingly knocked out by eventual winners Greece in the last four.

They have not been mentioned among the favourites this time but Bruckner believes his side can be just as successful.

"Our team is not weaker than the one in Portugal in 2004," said Bruckner, who will step down after the tournament.

"We have prepared really well."

Bruckner added at his press conference that his target was to reach at least the last eight.

Czech Republic face Switzerland in the opening game of the competition on Saturday before playing Portugal and Turkey in their remaining Group A matches.