The Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner has rewarded Martin Fenin for his outstanding displays at the FIFA U-20 World Cup with a senior call up for the friendly against Austria.
The 20 year old FK Teplice forward is the only newcomer for the match in Vienna, having continued the form he showed at the recent finals with all 3 of his club's goals in 2-0 and 1-0 wins at the start of the new Czech season. "It is not an experiment", Bruckner said.
"We require this kind of forward." Whilst Austria are the co-hosts of UEFA EURO 2008, the Czech Republic hope to qualify for the finals from Group D. They are 2nd in the section, 5 points behind leaders Germany, before their next competitive fixture in San Marino on 8 September.
Czech Republic squad
Goalkeepers, Petr Čech (Chelsea FC), Jaromir Blazek (1. FC Nurnberg).
Defenders, Zdeněk Grygera (Juve), Radoslav Kovač (FC Spartak Moskva), David Rozehnal (Newcastle United FC), Tomas Ujfalusi (ACF Fiorentina), Tomas Zapotočny (Udinese Calcio).
Midfielders, Tomas Galasek (1. FC Nurnberg), David Jarolim (Hamburger SV), Karel Pitak (FC Salzburg), Jaroslav Plasil (AS Monaco FC), Jan Polak (RSC Anderlecht), Tomas Rosicky (Arsenal FC), Tomas Sivok (Udinese Calcio).
Forwards, Jan Koller (AS Monaco FC), Milan Baros (Olympique Lyonnais), Marek Kulič (AC Sparta Praha), Martin Fenin (FK Teplice).
03 08 2007
Forward Fred is not discounting the idea of leaving Lyon if he fails to clear up his "personal problems" with club president Jean-Michel Aulas.
The Brazil international is presently sidelined with a broken foot he suffered whilst on international duty during the recent Copa America.
He will return to 1st team action by the start of September, however he says clear the air talks must be held with club officials if he is to pledge his future to Les Gones.
"I must see the president," Fred said. "We must sort out the little problems which are dragging on from last season. I hope that it will be done as quickly as possible, so I can stay on at Lyon without any concerns. The problem is between me and the club. I do not want to talk about it in the press. It is personal. I hope to remain at Lyon. I like it here. However, things cannot carry on like last season. It is not possible."
Fred Wednesday was back in Lyon, for Les Gones' official team photograph, for the 1st time since the end of May, when he left for Brazil citing an ankle injury.
He claimed he did not come back to France earlier because "it was important for me to be surrounded by my family and my friends at this difficult time".
Milan Baros and Karim Benzema will shoulder responsibilities up front for the French champions until the Brazilian makes his return from injury.
29 07 2007
New Lyon coach Alain Perrin had the perfect start with a 2-1 Trophee des Champions win over his former club, Sochaux.
Perrin had replaced Gerard Houllier at the reins of the 6 times French champions during the close season after leading Sochaux win in the Coupe de France.
Valter Birsa put Sochaux ahead after 13 minutes only for Sidney Govou to equalise for the champions who traditionally play the Cup winners in the Trophee des Champions, the curtain-raiser for the French season.
Cris then earned the spoils for Lyon with a goal only before the break.
Lyon have offloaded key players like Eric Abidal and Florent Malouda in the summer however there is no evidence of any slip in form for the team that won the Trophee for the 6th consecutive year.
Sochaux made an excellent start to the game and had taken the lead when Birsa lobbed Lyon goalie Gregory Coupet from 13 yards.
But it only had taken 8 minutes for Lyon to level scores.
Karim Benzema played the position of creator with a pass to Govou who scored from the left channel with a precise finish.
Cris put Lyon ahead with what proved to be the winner only before the break.
The Brazilian defender tapped home from close range after a Milan Baros header was parried by Sochaux goalie Teddy Richert.
It was a memorable moment for the Latin American who replaces his countryman Claudio Cacapa as club skipper.
The 2nd half was relatively event-free even though it was notable for a late substitute appearance by Fabio Grosso.
The 29 year old Italy defender, who scored the winning penalty kick in last year's World Cup final, joined Lyon from Inter during the summer as a replacement for the departing Abidal.
