Coaches join forces in final preparations
Czech and Russian Staff relax
before for Sunday's U17 final.
The coaches of the two finalists of the 2006 championships
joined forces in a 5-5 draw against a UEFA XI in the build up to Sunday's spectacle.
Designed as a tool for relaxation, the Czech and Russian staff took on members of the local organising commitee
and UEFA staff in a game that ended with a penalty shoot-out.
But during the pre-match press conference both coaches said they would like to avoid a similar outcome in the final.
Czech Republic coach Jakub Dovalil said: "It will be better for both teams if one team wins in regular time.
"Losing a match after extra time or penalties would be difficult for both teams."
His counterpart, Russian head coach Igor Kolyvanov said the draw was the correct result in the circumstances.
"We tried not to upset the mood of each other.
But with two weeks hard work behind them and with less than 48 hours before the final, both parties felt it was
important to relax.
"Coaches get very tired and it is stressful. We are always thinking about the next game and about tactics
and technical moments," added Kolyvanov.
"When you have such a big stress, you must also have a good rest and we are very grateful to everyone who
organised such a nice event."
Meanwhile, both sides revealed they would be without players for the vital clash.
Dovalil revealed that Ivan Lacko had fallen foul of a virus that had spread through the team hotel and he will
miss Sunday's match.
Kolyvanov has concerns of his own with two players missing from his squad.
Semen Fomin is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament.
Anton Vlasov remains sidelined with a hamstring tear that he suffered against Spain during the group stages.
The two coaches also revealed that both sides will have the added pressure of having the President of each of their
national Football Associations in the crowd for Sunday's final.
Kolyvanov said the Russian President was eager to see his young hopefuls play.
"He is coming to support our team and wish us all the best because he is quite anxious about the development
of youth football in Russia," he said.
Dovalil says that the success of his side has been well received back home.
"It think that this is a very good thing for all people in Czech Republic that work with young players.
"It's good for the development and the education of the players.
"It is a big thing to be in the final and we are very happy with our performance in the tournament."
Sunday's final takes place at the Stade Josy Barthel, Luxembourg and kicks off at 7pm local time. |
