Czech World Cup Qualification Was Already a Success. Their League is Excellent, But the National Team? Opponents Are on Another Level

Despite the Czech footballers delivering their best performance of the 2026 World Cup in the first half against Mexico, it paradoxically resulted in their heaviest defeat (0-3), definitively packing their bags for home.

How can we assess the Czech Republic's World Cup campaign? How should we view the gradual disappearance of experienced leaders from the starting lineup, and which players, conversely, made an impression? What are his thoughts on veteran coach Miroslav Koubek, which teams have impressed him most so far in the tournament, and what does he say about the galactic quartet scoring goals at will?

"It surprises me that the national team can't reach the same level as Slavia or Sparta in Europe," Michal Ščasný, an experienced 47-year-old Czech coach with strong ties to Slovakia, tells ŠPORT.sk.

The Czech footballers are out of the 2026 World Cup in the group stage, finishing last in Group A. What's your reaction?

"Given the match times, I only saw the Czech Republic's full 90 minutes in their second game against South Africa. In that match, they unluckily, or rather due to an inactive style of play in the second half, allowed their opponent to equalize from a debatable penalty.

The team is out of the tournament, that's the reality. Qualifying for the World Cup was probably the current peak for the Czech national team."

The Czech squad concluded their campaign at the iconic Azteca Stadium, at an altitude of over 2,200 meters. The team's extensive travel, covering thousands of kilometers, was also a frequent topic. What are your thoughts on these conditions?

"It's certainly not ideal, that much is true. Air travel and altitude changes affect players' performance in a match. However, they weren't the only team facing these conditions; there are countless others. This is the World Cup, and it's more about player quality and the style of play teams exhibit. If we're talking about the Czechs not advancing, it wasn't because of the conditions."

Especially after the match against the African opponent, the Czech team faced a wave of criticism. Where did they fall short of expectations the most?

"I don't want to delve into deep analysis; they have their own experts there. I believe that qualifying for the World Cup was already a huge success. There was great euphoria because we know how the qualification unfolded. The coaching change worked, Mr. Koubek came in, did an excellent job, and got the team to the World Cup after 20 years.

Their performances there could have been better, even though other teams are on a different level, especially in terms of technical skill, dynamism, and intensity, compared to the Czech 'national team.' And that's not a question for the coach."

Experienced leaders like Tomáš Souček and Patrik Schick gradually faded from the starting lineup. Did that surprise you?

"The coach must know; he was with them in training. We perceive all of this from the outside. I say, many people were euphoric after qualifying for the World Cup, now in less than a month, everything has changed, and the Czechs are almost the worst team. I wouldn't see it that way.

The current quality is what it is, even if the performances – as is evident from the statements of the coach, players, and Pavel Nedvěd – fell short of expectations. The team might not have been in ideal physical condition; there were some injuries. It's hard to say, but they probably didn't deserve to advance further either."

Which players caught your eye?

"Goalkeeper Matej Kovář delivered excellent performances. There were other players too, but I don't want to be too specific. I was also curious if young Hugo Sochůrek from Sparta would play. He didn't get an opportunity, but that's up to the coach. Since the Czech team wasn't very active, outstanding individual performances couldn't emerge either."

What positives can the Czech team take from this tournament?

"Hard to say. A generational change in the squad will likely be necessary. Yet, the Czech league has improved tremendously; there's media interest, stadiums are full, and it's quite high on an international scale. When I compare it to the Polish or Hungarian leagues, or even the Austrian Bundesliga, there are genuinely very good matches there.

That's why it surprises me that the national team can't reach the same level as Slavia or Sparta in Europe. Perhaps the question should be directed at the overall functioning of Czech football, or rather, the selection of players needed to get closer to the world elite."

Coach Miroslav Koubek, despite his advanced age, has no plans to retire. How do you view him leading a team at the absolute highest level at 74?

"I've followed him for a long time, and he deserves immense respect. Everywhere he's been, he's done a fantastic job. Whether it was at Bohemians, Hradec Králové, or Plzeň, to name just his most recent club stints. He's an excellent coach, and I don't recall him ever being unsuccessful.

As a coach, you work with the material you have available, and that dictates your style of play. If you don't have a team like Spain and can't be as active, you play more defensively and wait for counter-attacks."

South Africa ultimately advanced from Group A in second place, despite not impressing in their first two outings. What do you make of that?

"I completely agree with your observation. What they showed in their first match against Mexico was one of the worst performances I've seen in the tournament so far, and it quite surprised me that they advanced. I thought South Korea would finish second."

Which teams in the ongoing championship have impressed you the most overall so far?

"My observations sometimes get mixed up because there are so many matches, and one follows another. For example, I liked the England – Croatia match. From what I've seen, Argentina has a very strong team, and the Brazil vs. Morocco match was also interesting, where the African team surprised me with their dynamism and technical, mature football.

We'll see how it develops further. In the initial phase, there were also teams that weren't of such high quality. I think the World Cup is only just getting started now."

The biggest stars have been shining right from the start of the tournament. Who has made the biggest impression on you so far – Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappé, or Haaland?

"Phew, all of them... They are world-class footballers, game-changers. Of course, their teammates around them provide the necessary support, allowing them to focus on their strengths. Without having to be, say, one hundred percent in defense. These are players who clearly stand out and are a cut above the rest of the world."