Ivan Hašek’s time in charge of the Czech national team ended abruptly on Wednesday. The country’s football association decided to part ways with him after a 2-1 defeat to the Faroe Islands in World Cup qualification.
The association has not yet revealed the identity of the next coach. According to president David Trunda, a temporary appointment will be made to guide the side through the remainder of the qualifying fixtures. After that, the plan is to hire a foreign manager on a long-term basis.
Pavel Nedvěd, one of the country’s most prominent former players, has been tasked with putting together a shortlist of possible successors.
Defeat described as one of the worst in modern history
The unexpected setback on Sunday was seen as one of the lowest points for the national team in recent decades. Losing to a territory of just 55,000 inhabitants marked their most embarrassing qualifying result since a 1-0 defeat away to Luxembourg during the European Championship qualifiers two decades ago.
Despite that earlier disappointment, the team still managed to book their place at the finals in England. The current situation, however, has placed extra pressure on the players and officials ahead of the final group match.
Qualification hopes remain alive
World Cup dreams are not over yet. The Czech team still has a chance to secure second place in Group L. A victory over Gibraltar on November 17 would take them into the playoff round, keeping qualification hopes intact.
Hašek’s spell included both ups and downs. His squad exited the 2024 European Championship at the group stage, but earlier in the same year topped their Nations League group and earned promotion to League A.