World Cup 2006 Preview - Czech Republic

Outright Odds: 33/1
Group E Winners: 9/4

The Czech Republic may be ranked by FIFA as the second best team in the world behind Brazil and the best in Europe but they made hard work of qualifying for the finals. Pitted against Holland in qualifying, they lost home and away and also suffered defeat in Romania to finish second in the group. They won both home and away 1-0 against Norway in the play-offs to secure their place in Germany.

Despite a nervous qualification, expectations are high this time around for the Czech