Strestik shines for defensive Czechs

By John F. Molinaro, CBCSports.ca

The overwhelming criticism of the Czech Republic at the FIFA U-20 World Cup is that it plays defensive and dull soccer.

The Czechs might be boring to watch, but it's hard to argue with their success.

Coach Miroslav Soukup's team survived a tough opening-round group that included reigning world champion Argentina, and dispatched tournament favourites Spain in the last round to book a place in the semifinals.

Marek Strestik, left, offers the Czech Republic a bit of creativity. (Ryan Remiorz/Canadian Press)

While no one will ever mistake the Czechs for playing "champagne football," they do have one player who offers the team an offensive spark.

Midfielder Marek Stestik is the linchpin of the Czech attack, shouldering the creative duties in a team noted for its defensive posture.

The tall, lanky midfielder is a whirlwind of activity on the field, involving himself in every move forward by his team and leading the offensive charge with his probing runs, accurate passing skills and physical play.

He's also shown to have quite the scoring touch for a midfielder.

Strestik proved his worth during the last year's UEFA U-19 European championship, scoring three goals to help the Czechs reach the semifinals of the competition and qualify for this summer's U-20 World Cup.

"I get used to the expectations of scoring goals," Strestik told CBC Sports.

Brimming with talent, Strestik is also deadly in dead-ball situations.

Against Panama in the first round, with the Czechs holding on to a slim 1-0 lead, Strestik stepped up and scored on a direct free kick with eight minutes left in regulation, to double his team's advantage.

Strestik scored from a sharp angle about 35 metres out, his shot making it through a maze of Panama's defenders and bouncing in the goal crease before finding its way past goalkeeper Luis Mejia.

A beautiful but lucky goal, it also proved crucial — Panama hit back with a goal of its own two minutes later, as Strestik's strike stood up as the winner.

"For every goal you score, you need a bit of luck," coach Soukup said. "I'm happy my player tried to score from there."

This summer's tournament in Canada has been special for Strestik, and not just because the Czechs, playing in only their fourth U-20 World Cup, made it to the final four for the first time.

The Czech Republic played its first two games of the competition in Ottawa, a city that holds significant meaning for Strestik — he's a diehard Ottawa Senators fan.

Strestik paid close attention to this year's Stanley Cup final, watching it back home in his native country as the Senators bowed to the Anaheim Ducks in five games.

"They played very well, but had bad luck," Strestik said with a smile.

Strestik is hoping his team has better luck as it vies to reach the tournament final.