Kadlec takes responsibility

CZECH penalty hero Miroslav Kadlec last night, revealed how he steered his side into the final because nobody else wanted to take the decisive kick.

Kadlec settled all the arguments at Old Trafford France and the Czech Republic were tied 5-5 in a shootout which followed an uninspiring goal less draw.

The Kaiserlautern defender, who hadn't taken a spot kick for more than four years, beat Bernard Lama after Reynald Pedros' first sudden death kick for the French had been saved.

"I hadn't taken a penalty for four or five years with my club,," which is why I didn't offer to take one in the first five," snide Kadlec.

"Then nobody seemed to want to take the sixth one, so because I didn't want the team to argue about it I went forward to take it.

"It's a fantastic night and I think it will be even better when it all sinks in tomorrow."

Czech coach Dusan Uhrin admitted it was not a great game but could not contain his pride.

"It was not a good match and both teams were very defensive. We were very under strength with four players suspended, but we have made it to the final," he said.

"I'm surprised and delighted. I am very proud to coach this team.

He admitted there was a comparison to be drawn with 1976 when Czechoslovakia bent West Germany to win the European title on a penalty shootout.

"There is a resemblance because we play with a lot of heart for all of the 120 minutes. We didn't want to lose the first goal and that is why we played as we did."

French coach Aime Jacquet, whose side were unbeaten in 27 games before last night's match, insisted his players had not let down a nation.

"The adventure is over. We gave it all we could but now we are going home," he said.

"The French team has done, the jersey proud in this tournament. Perhaps we fell into the trap of their tactics and we were lacking physical energy in this match.

But Jacquet isn't writing off the Czechs in the final. "Given their style of play and their enthusiasm anything is possible in one match."

Pedros, who missed the penalty, said. "It was disappointing, for me and for the team, especially as it was decided by my penalty.

"I was the sixth man to take one, as I was on Saturday. I decided to put it in the middle, but I failed to score. I'm very low."

The president of the Czech FA, Frantisek Chvnlovsky, who will now have to fork out bonuses of around £75,000 to each player, said. "This is one of the greatest nights in Czech football history.

"These players will find their names recorded in history for their efforts.

"We achieved our goal by reaching the quarter finals and anything else now is a huge satisfaction.

"I'd love to see the happiness back in Prague right now!"

The Czechs will have Radek Latal, Radek Bejbl, Pavel Kuka and Jan Suchoparek free of suspension for Sunday's final.