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Czech Republic to face the Dutch in qualifying match

The Czech Republic, unbeaten in 16 matches, is hoping to continue its winning momentum against the Netherlands on today and clinch a berth in next year's European Championship.

Both teams have 16 points from six matches. Wednesday's winner will claim the top spot in the group and automatically qualify for the finals in Portugal, while the loser will still have a chance to reach the tournament through the playoffs.

"One more win and we're in," Czech captain and Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved said. ``It's the match of the year and the squad knows it.''

The Czechs, who are on course for a second straight undefeated qualifying campaign, can also advance to the finals with a 0-0 draw if they beat Austria in October.

A 1-1 draw would still give the edge to the Czechs, but the Dutch could claim first place with a big win over Moldova at home, also in October. If the score of the draw is higher than 1-1, a Dutch win against Moldova would be enough to get them through to the finals.

The Czechs, who were 10-0-0 ahead of Euro 2000, are leaving nothing to chance.

"We're strong enough offensively to create enough chances," Hamburg defender Tomas Ujfalusi said. "Our tactics will be offensive. But we must avoid the sort of defensive errors we made against Belarus."

The Czech Republic had to overcome a one-goal deficit in its 3-1 win over Belarus in Minsk on Saturday. Vitaly Bulyga, who was left alone in front of the Czech goal 14 minutes into the match, comfortably scored to give the hosts an early lead.

On Wednesday, the Czechs will be without key defender Marek Jankulovski, who is sitting out with a suspension. Defensive midfielder Tomas Galasek of Ajax is still doubtful with a muscle injury.

For the Dutch, Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is back after a suspension and is expected to replace Rafael van der Vaart in attack.
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