Petr Cech

Republic in safe hands

Czech Republic's goalkeeper Petr Cech deflects a header by Greece's defender Traianos Dellas (L), 01 July 2004 during their European Nations championship semi-final match at the Do Dragao stadium in Porto. AFP PHOTO ADRIAN DENNIS

The giant Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech has given his national side a solid foundation on which to build their international aspirations while at club level, he is one of the most coveted players in the business at his specialised position.

Photo prise le 22 novembre 2003 au stade Chaban-Delmas à Bordeaux du gardien Tchèque de Renne Petr Cech. Le Stade Rennais a démenti le 20 janvier 2004 avoir conclu un accord avec le club de ligue 1 anglaise Chelsea pour le transfert de l'international Petr Cech, affirmant que les négociations étaient encore en cours. AFP PHOTO DERRICK CEYRAC

He plied his trade in France for Brittany-side Rennes after signing from Sparta Prague in 2002, but moved to free spending Londoners Chelsea in a big money deal following Euro 2004.

Cech first turned professional in 1998 as a 16-year-old at Czech club Viktoria Plzen before moving to Chmel Blsany one year later for a two-year stint.

Just 27 appearances in two seasons was enough to convince Sparta Prague, arguably the biggest club in the country, to make Cech their number one 'keeper and the 1.97m custodian set a national record by not conceding a goal for 1,120 minutes in all competitions including domestic, Champions League and Under-21 matches.

Shootout hero

He was a star at the Under-21 European championships in 2002, helping the Czech side to the title where he was instrumental in the penalty shootout defeat of a talented French side in the final.

Karel Bruckner took over the national coaching job in December 2001 and immediately made Cech his first choice 'keeper as the Czech Republic set out on an impressive qualifying campaign in Euro 2004 qualifying.

Greece's defender Traianos Dellas (L) heads the ball to score, 01 July 2004 at Dragao stadium in Porto during the Euro 2004 semi final football match between Greece and the Czech Republic at the European Nations Championship in Portugal. AFP PHOTO Hrvoje POLAN

In Portugal, the Czech side lived up to their billing as one of the favourites cruising through to the semi-finals. But they were ambushed by Greece who rode their luck with a silver goal winner on the stroke of first-half extra-time.

Chelsea's goalkeeper Petr Cech jumps to grab the ball next to Porto's striker Luis Fabiano during their Group H Champions League football match in Porto, 07 December 2004. AFP PHOTO Pierre-Philippe MARCOU

He had a dream debut in the Premiership, helping Chelsea to their first title since 1955 and setting records for fewest goals conceded and longest streak without conceding a goal, a mark that stretched 871 minutes, nearly nine matches.

He also helped his national team qualify for the 2006 World Cup, their first appearance since Czechoslovakia split on January 1, 1993.

In February 2006 he signed a contract extension with Chelsea which should keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2010.

Cech is now rated among the best goalkeepers in the world and Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho was anxious that he commited to the club. Next up is his first World Cup campaign although the Czech Republic have it tough drawn in a group with Italy, USA and Ghana.