Getting into a group with Wales was a breeze. In that case, we will be in the barrage, moose Šilhavý

After the lottery, the Czech national team has a great chance to play at least the playoffs for the World Cup. Thanks to the League of Nations

Sport.cz, FAČR

Now you are about twice as congratulating that after all the hardships, problems and complications, you did not give up the fight for victory in your group in the League of Nations, and in the end you won it, which guarantees you participation in the playoff due to the favorable lot. After all, any placement in the group, and even the last place behind Belgium, Wales, Belarus and Estonia, should be enough for that …

However, we also wanted to go to the group where Wales or Austria was, which we did. It is a great advantage, because if nothing extraordinary happens, at least we will be in the barracks.

Belgium is, of course, a big favorite with the “golden” generation it currently has, thanks to which it is at the top of the FIFA rankings, but still – are you reconciled in advance with the place behind it and the playoffs?

We are not afraid of her, even though she is a big favorite, as was England in the qualification for EURO in our group. I’m just saying we have at least second place.

However, the playoffs are also very tricky, which your predecessors at the national team could talk about.

I know, I experienced it myself as an assistant to Karel Brückner, when we came across it in a fight for participation in the 2006 World Cup in Germany in Norway.

Jaroslav Šilhavý on the national team bench.

Annegret Regards, Reuters

At that time, you managed the playoffs and advanced to the championship for the first and last time in the history of the independent Czech national football team.

It was a huge success, because starting the world championship is the most for players and coaches.

So a possible move to Qatar is the biggest challenge in your coaching career so far?

Definitely, that is why I also believe that we will all prepare well for the qualification and do our best in it.

Do you dare to be Belgians and first in the group so that you can think about a straightforward procedure?

We have a strong team and we can move further up towards the elite of European football. So far, we are not in a position to beat anyone and win over the top ten or fifteen opponents at any time, but we are already approaching them.

Moreover, with all the greater motivation, not only for you, but especially for Souček, Darida and the current national team in general, participation in the World Championships should be the culmination of a career …

Why the top? They are young and still have a long way to go.

Their predecessors could repeat that too, and yet, with the exception of the championship you mentioned in Germany, they never made it to the World Cup.

Advancing to the World Cup is much harder than qualifying for the EURO, where the Czech national team starts regularly. Just because direct progress is guaranteed only by the winner of the group and the others must continue to fight in the playoffs, in which there are ten teams from second places in the groups and two teams from the League of Nations. At the same time, only three places are played. However, there is still a chance to move, so we perceive the composition of our group as an advantage.

And what to avoid barrage, try to overtake Belgium and think of first place and direct progress?

We have respect for Belgium, but I’m not saying we’re afraid of it. We are able to torment her and even win over her. Maybe at a time when the spectators will be able to go to the stadiums again and ours will help us to win at home, as they helped us in qualifying for the EURO against England.

However, when mentioning England, there is also a reminiscence of the first match at Wembley and a slap that you got there at the beginning of the qualification.

Losing 0: 5 was a real lesson, but luckily it started us. Since then, we have been going higher and higher, which we have managed in preparation with Brazil and, for example, in retaliation with England. It was no longer just a frightened performance and a defensive block, but also an active game, the offensive phase, an increase in self-confidence. It showed us the way and confirmed that even top teams like Belgium do not have to worry. I’m not saying we’ll beat them anytime, but we don’t have to worry about anyone.