Czech Republic needs win over Slovakia

The Czech Republic can’t afford to lose any more points if it wants to secure a place at next year’s World Cup.

Midway through its qualifying campaign, the Czechs are third in Group 3 following a 0-0 draw at Slovenia on Saturday. Anything but a victory over Slovakia on Wednesday could be the end of the team’s hopes to qualify for the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

Northern Ireland leads the group with 10 points from six games, one point ahead of Slovakia, which has played four matches. The Czechs have eight points from five games, the same as Slovenia. Poland is one point back, while San Marino has zero points. Only the group winner directly qualifies for next year’s tournament in South Africa, with the second team facing a playoff.

AC Milan defender Marek Jankulovski said his team will go for a win Wednesday in Prague.

“The Slovaks are one point ahead of us, but we play at home and we’re the favorites,” Jankulovski said.

PRAGUE, AP