WESTERBURG, Germany -- Striker Milan Baros resumed training Sunday after
more than a week, giving the Czech Republic hope he might make the World Cup opening game against
the United States.
Just one day before the Czech Republic enters its first World Cup in
Gelsenkirchen, Baros joined the rest of the team for the first time
since straining a tendon in his left foot in the first half of the final
warmup against Trinidad and Tobago on June 3.
However, it was still unclear whether the Aston Villa striker, who
scored five goals in the team's qualifying and has 27 in 49
internationals, would be fit enough to play.
"His condition has not changed since yesterday," Czech coach Karel
Bruckner told reporters.
"I have yet to decide about him."
Bruckner ruled out fielding the 24-year-old if he is not fully recovered
from the injury.
"If the player isn't fit, I would never put him at risk. His health is
more important."
Bruckner didn't reveal who might replace Baros but indicated he has
almost made a decision.
"It can be said that I'm almost certain," he said.
Baros' absence would be a blow for the attack-minded Czechs who scored a
total of 37 goals in their qualifying campaign. Bruckner was not to
reveal his starting lineup until hours before the match. All other
Czechs were available, Bruckner said.
Bruckner opted for a lone striker in Jan Koller in the past when he was
facing similar injury troubles.
The towering 6-foot-7 1/2-inch Koller, who is the Czech Republic's all
time best scorer with 42 goals from 68 internationals and who recovered
just in time for the World Cup from a long-term knee injury, would be
then playing ahead of a five-member midfield line.
In that case, Bruckner might add Jaroslav Plasil to his usual
first-choice midfield with Juventus star Pavel Nedved, captain Tomas
Galasek, playmaker Tomas Rosicky and veteran Karel Poborsky.
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