Cech upbeat despite loss

Petr Cech is staying optimistic about the Czech Republic’s chances of qualifying from Group A, despite being stunned 4-1 by Russia on Friday.

Michal Bilek’s men were put to the sword by their well-drilled opponents, courtesy of goals from Alan Dzagoev (two), Roman Shirokov and Roman Pavlyuchenko, and now face a battle to salvage their campaign.

But despite the blow of losing their first fixture, the Chelsea goalkeeper is confident his side can make amends for their disappointment against forthcoming opponents Greece on Tuesday.

“The game did not go as planned,” Cech told reporters after the game.

“But at the same time, during the 2006 World Cup we started with a 3-0 victory against the United States and we did not qualify from the group.

“The next step is to win the next game. The first game sometimes gives an indication of the group but the second game will be decisive.

“If we fail, our chances of reaching the quarter-finals will be small.”