- Czechia beat Denmark on penalties to qualify for the World Cup
- Tomas Soucek scored his spot-kick in the shootout
- Czechia beat the Republic of Ireland to face Denmark
West Ham United will have a number of players in the World Cup this summer. Someone who joined that list this week, is Tomas Soucek. The long-serving midfielder and his Czechia side had to do it the hard way but will now be at a World Cup for the first time in 20 years.
Soucek’s nation had go through the playoffs to get their ticket. In the first round the side came from 2-0 down to beat the Republic of Ireland of penalties. In the final came Denmark and teammate Mads Hermansen. The game would again go the distance but it was Czechia who would prevail and find their position at this summer’s tournament.
The West Ham stalwart told the club’s official website it was a dream come true.
“I’m so happy that we as the Czech Republic qualified for the World Cup after 20 years!” Soucek beamed. “We waited so long for the opportunity.
“Against two top teams, Ireland and Denmark, it was really tough. We played two games and drew both 2-2 and won two great penalty shootouts, so it was all about emotions.
“As a country, we are so happy to be there, to go to America, Mexico and Canada, so I’m very grateful.
“Tuesday night was unbelievable with the fans because they are so proud now of our national team. For me, it’s the best feeling to play for them.
“I just can’t wait for the World Cup!”
Soucek’s cup dream at West Ham
With Czechia booking their place at the World Cup it has left Soucek hungry for more. There is a lot left to play for at West Ham this season, including the FA Cup, where the Hammers play Leeds United on Sunday.
“This win [over Denmark] gives me another motivation to go to another cup – that’s the FA Cup,” he confirmed.
“I remember we won on penalties against Brentford. We (Czechia) won twice now on penalties in the play-offs for the World Cup, and now we have another big opportunity to go to the semi-finals.
“To play against Leeds, we know it’s very tough. We will fight with them to avoid relegation in the Premier League as well, but this is a great opportunity for us and our fans to go together and to keep the momentum we have now.
“We all know that the semi-final is in Wembley, so it’s a massive opportunity to bring our fans there. We will do everything possible on the pitch. I believe that the stadium will be one of the best atmospheres of this season, the same as Brentford.
“We will all go for it because we want to be at Wembley as West Ham United. That’s our aim for this weekend and I believe we will reach it all together.”
