Cech hopes to avoid spot-kicks

Keeper confident of victory over Turkey

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 14th June 2008

Petr Cech Czech

Cech: Optimist

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Petr Cech is hoping that a penalty shootout will not be required to settle second place in Group A.

Spot-kicks remain a possibility as a draw between Czech Republic and Turkey on Sunday would see both sides finish on four points, with exactly the same goal difference.

As a result, a place in the quarter-finals would then be settled by a lottery from 12 yards.

Cech is certainly hoping that does not prove to be the case, having already tasted penalty heartache in the UEFA Champions League final with Chelsea.

The keeper accepts that his country's fate may ultimately rest in his hands, but is confident that his team-mates can secure victory inside 90 minutes.

"We have it all in our hands," he said.

"I believe penalties won't have to take place at all and we'll beat Turkey.

"It would be a tricky thing to play for a draw. Everything is at stake.

"I'm an optimist and believe we belong to the best eight teams."

Training

Czech coach Karel Bruckner will be taking no chances heading into the qualification decider this weekend and revealed that his squad will be practicing penalties in the build-up to the game.

"We'll be training for a possible shootout, but that's not our major concern," he said.

"Our goal is to play well and win."