Czech comeback

Pavel Nedved has paid tribute to Czech Republic coach Karel Brueckner after their astonishing 3-2 comeback victory over the Netherlands on Saturday.

"You could say he is like a 12th player for us on the pitch," said Nedved, who is being rested along with other players for Wednesday's final group game against Germany.

The Czechs have already qualified for the quarter-finals as Group D winners but Germany must win to clinch a place.

"It's quite simple," said Nedved, "we just carry out his (Brueckner's) instructions on the pitch."

Nedved was also full of praise for the fans at the Municipal stadium. "If he is the 12th player then you can also say that the supporters were the 13th."

The grey-haired coach is highly respected by everybody in the Czech squad from the seasoned Nedved and fellow midfielder Tomas Rosicky to players on the fringe of the first team.

The Czechs' win over the Netherlands, making them the first side to reach the last eight, puts the team among the favourites to win Euro 2004 but the pragmatic Brueckner said the 2-1 victory over Latvia in their opener made him just as happy.

"It was easier to score against the Netherlands than Latvia," said Brueckner, as he evaluated the performance. "It could have been 7-7 against Holland because they play such an open game.

"In both games I was coaching a lot. I think you can say that both victories were down to good coaching."