CZECHO’S SOCCER CORNER

Germany-Michael Ballack

Germany’s National team may have to do without their captain Michael Ballack against Wales. Ballack remains questionable for Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier due to his sore calf. He got hurt during Saturday’s match against Russia, where he scored the second goal. Germany won 2-1 and they are leading Group 4 with seven points, one ahead of Wales.

Roman Bednar-Czech National team

Czech striker Roman Bednar whom The Times are comparing to Cristiano Ronaldo, was once again left out of the Czech National team. He told the newspaper that he doesn’t understand why he wasn’t nominated since his season in EPL was going so well. The Czechs have a string of five matches without a win and coach Petr Rada sure could use his services. Bednar scored three goals in his last six matches and West Bromwich coach Tony Mowbray praised him for his focus and determination.

Atletico Madrid-Champions League

Thanks to violence and racist behavior, Atletico Madrid must play their next two Champions League matches away from home. UEFA’s also fined the team $204,600 and ordered them to play at least 186 miles from Madrid. On top of that Atletico’s coach Javier Aguirre was suspended for both matches with Liverpool. UEFA firmly believes and enforces zero tolerance for violent and racist behavior.

Camacho-Osasuna

Former coach of the Spanish National team Jose Antonio Camacho was appointed as the new coach of Primera Liga team Osasuna. Camacho was in charge of national team from 1998-2002 and coached several top flight teams in Spain. He will replace Jose Angel Ziganda who has been the team’s coach since 2006. Ziganda also played for Osasuna for three years, appearing in 68 matches and scoring nineteen goals. Osasuna has yet to register a win this season, having only four points from six matches.

England-World Cup Qualifier

England will travel to next the World Cup qualifier against Belarus without their injured defenders John Terry and Ashley Cole. They will be replaced with Matthew Upson and Wayne Bridge. England has nine points from three matches but Fabio Capello warned about their next opponent. “Belarus is a very good team and it will not be an easy game,” he said. “They drew with Argentina and Germany. It will be a very, very tough game.” Group 6 is a tough group with Croatia and Ukraine, and England needs maximum points from each match.

Brazil-Venezuelan Off-field Tactics

According to Brazil defender Lucio, him and a few more of his teamates were intentionally poisoned before the match with Venezuela. Lucio along with Maicon, Gilberto Silva and Elano complained of stomach aches after drinking coffee in the hotel were the team was staying, the players also complained of excessive noice during their stay at the hotel. The team’s doctor said it was food poisoning but where it came from, nobody knows. Their stay in Caracas started on the wrong foot for the Brazilian players, who complained of being left waiting 90 minutes on the runway before being allowed to disembark the plane. Despite all the problems Brazilians were exposed to, they won easily by beating Venezuela 4-0.