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Karel BrucknerFormer Czech football player and football coach.
Date of Birth: 13.11.1939
Country:  Czech |
Content:
Karel Brückner
Karel Brückner was a former Czech football player and coach. During his playing career, he played for Sigma Olomouc and Baník Ostrava.
Coaching Career
Brückner later transitioned to coaching, managing Baník Ostrava and the Czech Republic youth team. In 2001, he became the head coach of the Czech national team after their failure to qualify for the 2002 World Cup under Josef Chovanec. Under Brückner's leadership, the Czech Republic did not miss any major international tournament and reached second place in the FIFA rankings.
2006 World Cup
Brückner led the Czech Republic to their first World Cup appearance in 16 years at the 2006 World Cup. Despite an unexpected group stage elimination, Brückner's contract was extended for two years.
Euro 2008
In the Euro 2008 qualifiers, the Czech Republic was drawn in Group D, facing teams like Germany, Ireland, Cyprus, Wales, Slovakia, and San Marino. Amidst criticism and rumors of his imminent resignation, Brückner guided the team to first place in the group, ahead of defending World Cup bronze medalists Germany. However, their performance at the tournament itself was underwhelming, with the Czech Republic losing 3-2 to Turkey and failing to advance past the group stage.
Retirement and Legacy
Before Euro 2008, Brückner announced his intention to step down as Czech Republic manager after the tournament. He took over as head coach of Austria in July 2008 but was forced to retire in March 2009 due to health reasons. Under his guidance, Austria recorded one win, two losses, and one draw in official matches.
Brückner became known for his distinctive hairstyle, earning him the nickname "Klekipetra" in the Czech Republic after a Native American chief in one of Karl May's novels.
