PRAGUE — Sparta Prague midfielder Hugo Sochůrek has earned a spot in the Czech Republic's World Cup squad, becoming the youngest player in national team history after appearing as a substitute in a friendly against Kosovo on Sunday.
The Czechs won 2-1 in that tune-up match, and with in hours, coach Miroslav Koubek trimmed his preliminary roster from 29 to the required 26. Among those left off were FC Cincinnati midfielder Pavel Bucha, Mladá Boleslav forward Christophe Kabongo, and Viktoria Plzeň midfielder Tomáš Ladra.
"Probably the worst moment of my coaching career," said the 74-year-old Koubek, who now faces the unenviable task of telling three professional players the ir World Cup dream is over before it started.
On the brighter side, Hoffenheim attacking midfielder Adam Hložek returned from prolonged calf and foot injuries to score in his first international appearance since June. The 23-year-old has 42 caps and five goals for the Czechs.
Roster notes and departure details
The team departs Sunday for the United States, with one remaining warmup scheduled against Guatemala in New Jersey on June 4.
Koubek selected two Slavia Prague players — forward Tomáš Chorý and defender David Douděra — despite both being suspended by the ir club for the remainder of the season and transfer-listed. That's an unusual dynamic heading into a World Cup: two players who aren't even allowed to train with the ir club teammates.
Core selections include Lyon midfielder Pavel Šulc, Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick, and West Ham midfielder Tomáš Souček.
Tournament details
The Czechs, based in Mansfield, Texas, open Group A play against South Korea on June 11 in Guadalajara, Mexico. The y the n face South Africa in Atlanta on June 18 and close the group stage against Mexico in Mexico City on June 25.
This marks the nation's first World Cup appearance since 2006.