Since 1996 the Czechs have qualified for every European Championship and progressed past the group phase four times, but have not made much of an impact on the international stage since reaching the last eight at Euro 2012. That began to change under the guidance of former defender Silhavy, who has forged a team with a core of Slavia Prague’s current and former players, including Hammers Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal.
The Czech Republic showed they are a team ready to compete with the heavyweights of European football after a run to the quarter-finals at Euro 2020 that ended in a 2-1 defeat to Denmark.
The Czechs used an energetic high press to create turnovers and launch quick counter-attacks. These tactics were on display in a 2-0 win over the Netherlands in a last-16 match in which a well-organized Czech squad stymied the Dutch attack before capitalizing on a red card to upset their more fancied opponents.
It was heartbreak for the Czech mates Hammers who will now enjoy some well deserved rest and relaxation before joining the West Ham squad before the end of July.
They can be very proud of their Euro 2020 achievements, they are certainly helped put the Czechs back on the world stage.