Czech youths look to reach knockout stage

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- The Czech Republic, one of Europe's most successful teams in junior categories, is looking to reach the knockout stage of the U-20 world championship.

"To advance to the knockout stage is a minimum the team can do," team chief Rudolf Bata said.

The Czechs, who reached quarterfinals at the previous tournament in Argentina in 2001, will face Australia, Brazil and Canada in Group C.

"We don't know much about our opponents in the group," said Bata, who singled out Brazil and England as favorites.

The team, which is coached by Pavel Vrba, is capable of playing attractive, free-flowing soccer. Its lineup centers around Sparta Prague midfielder Tomas Sivok, who is currently on loan to another Czech league team, Ceske Budejovice.

Midfielder Martin Latka of Slavia Prague and striker Michal Hubnik of Olomouc should also show their class, Bata said.

The Czech Republic's first match will be on Friday against Australia. The Czechs beat the Aussies 3-0 in the group stage two years ago in Argentina.

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Roster:

Roman Bednar, Ales Besta, Jiri Bilek, Jan Broschinsky, Michal Danek, Radek Dosoudil, Pavel Fort, Tomas Grigar, Michal Hubnik, Roman Hubnik, Petr Knakal, Martin Latka, David Limbersky, Milan Petrzela, Vaclav Prochazka, Emil Rilke, Tomas Sivok, Petr Sima, Ladislav Volesak, Milan Zacharias