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The Czech national football team, before today's match with Lithuania, is only thinking about victory. The fate of the Czech and Scottish teams, fighting for second place in an intriguing finish to the EURO 2012 qualifying group, will likely be decided in Kaunas.
"I don't think about what would happen if we lose," said Czech star Tomas Rosicky.
Hoping to play more effectively
On Monday evening, the Czech team held their only training session at the S.Darius and S.Girenas Stadium in Kaunas, before which the team's head coach Michal Bilek and captain T. Rosicky shared their thoughts with the media.
Most of the discussion revolved around the situation in the qualifying group before the end of the tournament. In the battle for second place, which gives the right to participate in the European Championship final stage, Scotland is one point ahead of the Czech Republic. Scotland will finish their matches in Spain, while the Czech team needs at least a point in the match against Lithuania.
Bilek mentioned that the match in Lithuania will be more important in the indirect duel for the second position.
"Spain is a great team, so it will be extremely difficult for Scotland to play against them. I think the match in Lithuania will determine whether we qualify for the final stage of the competition. Do we feel a lot of pressure? In this qualifying group, every point is important, so it is difficult not to be nervous. We are anxious before every match and approach them responsibly," the coach insisted.
A year ago, Lithuania defeated the Czech Republic 1-0 in the first round of the mutual duels. "Back then, a lot was expected from us. Perhaps that's why we didn't capitalize on the chances we created. This time we must play more effectively. If we play like we did in Olomouc, it will be difficult to win tomorrow. We analyzed all of Lithuania's matches this year and know how the opponents can quickly and unexpectedly strike. That's the main Lithuanian weapon, and we are convinced of it ourselves," Bilek said.
Dangerous time for D.Serna
The captain of the Czech national team and one of the leaders of the team, T. Rosicky, was optimistic before the match. The London Arsenal midfielder said he was only thinking about how to achieve victory.
"I don't think about what will happen if we lose. Tragedy? That's a strong word. My thoughts are focused on victory, and I believe we are capable of achieving it. The Lithuanians took three points from us in Olomouc, so now we have to take them back," said T. Rosicky.
According to the midfielder, Tuesday's match will be similar to the match between the teams that took place in the Czech Republic last September.
"We will try to attack, score as many goals as possible, and your team will try to punish us with counter-attacks. We must make better use of the chances we create. I would highlight that striker (Darvydas Sernas - ed. note), who was very active in the attack and scored a goal against us. He will be our biggest threat," said one of the Czech leaders.
The national teams of Lithuania and the Czech Republic will meet today at the S.Darius and S.Girenas sports center in Kaunas, with the start of the match at 21:45.
