Czech Republic: If guns, captains, warriors, and snipers want to win – they have to go the whole way
Challenging questions that were asked to Mr. Jakub Štefek, Team leader and Goalie coach of the Czech team, and inspirational and wholehearted answers came up:
1. What are your expectations when it comes to the World Cup 2019 itself, and what expectations do you have concerning your team?
“Believe that this World Cup will be the best event so far made by WMF. Whole Local team is dedicated, passionate and will reach their goals. Good luck to guys for the last period of preparations!
Czech team and expectations – As World No. 1 and World Champion Title defenders our expectations have to be highest. Our motto „ Malý fotbal, velké srdce (minifootball, giant heart)“ speaks for itself. We are confident but with full fair play with respect to other teams. We are happy to learn from every match. Karma is for free and we want to present ourselves as men, gentleman, with no arguing with referees, opponents. To enjoy the whole event. And we will see, how far we will go.”
2. What do you think are the favorites for winning during the WC 2019?
“Czech Republic, Chile, USA, Romania. And never underestimate home team Australia.”
3. Which team would you like to avoid playing within the knock out phase?
“Really don’t have any team in mind. If we want to win, we have to go all the way. It is always better to beat the best teams. And, every opponent makes us stronger, giving us experience.”
4. Whom would you like to play with if getting to the finals of the WC and why?
“USA – For guys to be able to play against big names. And home Australia – the atmosphere would be amazing.”
Due to the efforts and investments, the state of development of minifootbal in the Czech Republic is on a high level. As Mr. Štefek informed: “In Czech Republic, we have Superliga – with regional teams to play (top flight, broadcasted on public TV), then regional leagues (Hanspaulka in Prague is the oldest competition on the continent). Czech national team is No. 1 in WMF and EMF ranking occupied all trophies last 2 years.”
The Czech team is fully equipped with men of skill, honor, and experience. The list tells that there will be tough fights:
GOALIES:
Ondřej Bíro – One of the best goalies in the world. Great leg skills make him totally specific and unique. Always do everything for his team.
Dominik Kunicky – “Young gun”. European Champion U21 is our big guy between posts.
PLAYERS:
Michal Uhlíř – Former captain from the golden team at WMF WC 2017 in Tunisia. A true leader and alpha player.
Stanislav Mařík – typical striker, big guy, a captain who will die for his team.
David Presl – Another warrior who will do all for Czech lions
Daniel Kasal – U21 World Champion is ready to show his skills in men’s team of World title defenders.
Richard Svoboda – Newbie in Czech team, showing his quality in Czech minifootball Superliga
František Hakl – “Fery” is propper fighter. Defender and man who never gives up and will fight until the final breath.
Pavel Šultés – Pavel is former first league player with over 130 performances. Real professional with passion and skills.
Patrik Levčík – One of the best minifootball players in the world. His ankles allow him to make “magic” trick with football.
Ondřej Paděra – Typical sniper. Ondra is able to score from any position at any time. Great guy. Polite, but killer on the pitch.
Dominik Kostka – Newbie who got his place in Perth squad 6 weeks before the WC: Former first league striker is strong during the game, but easy-going in real life.
Jan Koudelka – Typical wing, with unbelievable skills one-on-one. Professional career. Diabetic.
Tomáš Jelínek – U21 World Champion is another future of Czech minifootball team. Team player and big fighter.
Bohumír Doubravský – Great technical skills, return to the Czech team after 2 years.
MANAGEMENT:
Jakub Štefek – Team leader / Goalie coach / Mentalist – Jakub is the creator of all fun, special effects, team presentation. Former EMF CEO and professional goalkeeper. In Czech moderator, actor, writer.
Luděk Zelenka – General manager – Former Czech league striker (92 goals – Slavia Prague, Jablonec, …). Luděk is making big decisions and is a real team player.
Stanislav Bejda – Head Coach. Professional coach in the Czech Republic, still playing 1st Futsal league. Stanley is really expert and set pieces wizard.
Petr Pícha – Technical manager – Petr is responsible for video, statistics, analysis. Petr is our „team daddy“, 100% dedicated to minifootball. In Prague, he is the owner of team „Úterní hosté“ playing top-flight in Prague „Hanspaulka“ league.
Jiří Novák – Assistant coach – Jiři is WMF World Champion 2017 as a player, made the last touch in that tournament. Now as assistant he is very close to players and as true professional and former first league player he is a real icon for young boys.
Radek Pokorný – Sport director – Former Head coach is responsible for minifootball development in the Czech Republic as a friend of WMF President Filip Juda helped him to develop minifootball in our Country.
