Nedved to retire after wednesday

[tetsujin1979]

From football365:

Pavel Nedved has announced he will retire from international football following the Czech Republic's friendly clash with Serbia on Wednesday night.

The midfielder, who has scored 18 goals in 90 games for his country, hung up his international boots after Euro 2004 but opted to return to the national team during qualifying for this summer's World Cup.

Nedved's first World Cup ended in disappointment however, with the Czechs knocked out in Germany having failed to make it past the group stages.

He will continue to play for club side Juventus in Serie B, but wants to give younger players the chance to prove themselves on the international stage.

He said: "I would like to say that the match against Serbia will be my last match for the national team.

"I have decided to end my international career and free the place for youngsters. My decision is final.

"I want my decision to be respected.

"I am going to be 34 and I want to be with my family and play for Juventus.

"It would be difficult for me to prepare from the demanding international matches while playing in the second division in Italy."

[geysir]

I support his decision.

[NeilMcD]

I second it.

[eirebhoy]

Koller next and I'll be happy. :)

[RogerMilla]

that rosicky fella is getting a bit long in the tooth as well , call it a day chief !

[eirebhoy]

Jarosik was called up to the Czech squad for this match but pulled out through injury. He played the 90 minutes for Celtic on Saturday so I don't know if he is truely injured. This is what he said a couple of weeks ago:

“I have had a problem with the national manager for a long time,” says Jarosik. “I wanted to go to Germany for the World Cup, but I had no chance. I don’t know why. Maybe the coach likes different types of players to me. The Czech Republic have very good midfielders and he preferred other players. I think I will have to wait until he leaves before it’s possible for me to play for the national team again.”

When asked about Bruckner getting a contract extension Jarosik said “That’s very bad news for me".

Maybe he's just embarassed to accept the callup now. :)

[geysir]

The news of Nedved's retirement now followed by Hartson's decision to unretire for Wales. A furthur boost to our hopes? :)

[tetsujin1979]

The news of Nedved's retirement now followed by Hartson's decision to unretire for Wales. A furthur boost to our hopes? :)
I wouldn't say so, apparently Hartson will be used as an impact sub, late in the game. After being run ragged by Bellamy and Earnshaw, not many defenders would relish an aerial battle with Hartson. Mind you, we could claim the same thing with the Doc or Lee coming on for Robbie and Elliott/Morrison!! Just without the Champion's League experience or the winners medals ;) I still say selling Hartson was the biggest mistake Strachan has made thus far at Celtic, and could be what swings the balance of power away from Celtic Park.

[NeilMcD]

Yeah I think Hartson coming back is good news for Wales, a guy who can score goals and win the ball and basically cause disruption to any centre back. I doubt John O Shea would enjoy a battle with Hartson if he was playing at the back against him.

[geysir]

But Dunne would love a scrap.
Hartson will disrupt any defence so it's not all bad for us.
In the end a lot will depend on the points Wales win and drop and who from.
I'd see the Czechs as our target.

[RogerMilla]

i see the slovakians as our target , they will be the team to beat in this group , they will be the israel of this group

[Fergie's Son]

Hartson is a handful but then everyone will have to deal with him.

The key will be getting a result in Germany (draw is grand) and then NOT DROPPING ****ING POINTS TO TEAMS LIKE SLOVENIA ET AL!!!

Sorry, still upset from the last campaign.

[NeilMcD]

Slovenia are not in teh group and I dont think we have ever dropped points to Slovenia.