Czech national team coach Miroslav Kubek stated that leading the Czech team to the World Cup finals through the playoffs is the most important achievement of his career and even his life. The 74-year-old coach also admitted to being unable to hold back his tears after defeating Denmark in a penalty shootout at Leitner Stadium.

At the press conference, Miroslav Koubek stated that he deeply cherishes being the oldest head coach in World Cup history. Koubek previously won the league title under Viktoria Plzen and led the team to the Round of 16 and Quarter-finals in European competitions, but this achievement of leading the national team back to the World Cup after a 20-year absence overshadows all his previous accolades.

After the match, Miroslav Koubek said, "I wasn't in tears, just a little wet. To be honest, I was very moved when the players tossed me into the air. This is the most important achievement of my career and even my life. I am incredibly happy and especially grateful to these players, who performed exceptionally well throughout the training camp and the two playoff matches."

“Every day, every hour, my confidence in the team’s ability to achieve its goals is growing stronger. Everything I’ve experienced during this training camp is something I’ve long dreamed of.”

He led the team through the two playoff matches in March. In both the semi-final against Ireland and the final against Denmark, the team won on penalties after a 2-2 draw in extra time. Miroslav Koubek continued, "Both matches were very tough, and we tried our best to play to our potential. But as long as the team is cohesive, fully committed, runs actively, tackles effectively, and executes tactics strictly, there is a chance to win."

At 74, Miroslav Koubek will become the oldest head coach in World Cup history. The previous record was held by German coach Otto Rehhagel, who was 71 years and 317 days old when he coached the Greek national team in the 2010 World Cup. Koubek said, "I originally thought I was only the second oldest, but after checking the records, I found that Dick Advocaat had left and would not be participating in this tournament. I cherish this honor very much."

Image source: Internet/Czech National Team Official Website