Czech Midfielder Smicer Strains Muscle
Wednesday, May 24, 2006; 4:20 PM
PRAGUE, Czech Republic -- Czech Republic midfielder Vladimir Smicer is questionable for the World Cup after straining a thigh muscle.
Smicer was taken to a hospital in Innsbruck, Austria, on Tuesday to undergo tests. He wasn't hospitalized and remains with the team at its World Cup training camp in Seefeld, Austria, team spokesman Lukas Tucek said Wednesday.
  Girondins Bordeaux striker Vladimir Smicer during a training session of the Czech national soccer team in Seefeld, Austria, on Monday, May 23, 2006. The Czech Republic will play against USA, Italy and Ghana in World Cup 2006 Group E. (AP Photos/CTK, Radek Petrasek) (Radek Petrasek - AP) Injuries and Fantasy   Zinedine Zidane could face disciplinary action Thursday for his head butt on Marco Materazzi. Brazil Coach Alberto Parreira quits following a disappointing World Cup. Zidane apologizes for his head butt during the final, saying he was provoked by insults about his mother and sister. Italian soccer power Juventus is one of three teams demoted from Serie A to Serie B following a match-fixing scandal. Juergen Klinsmann resigns as Germany's coach after leading his native country to a third-place finish. France cheers on Zinedine Zidane but still wonders what provoked his head-butt. The 2006 World Cup had too many red cards and stoppages in play. Championship could help boost Italy's economy. Italian fans enjoy their country's World Cup title. The World Cup final television ratings are the best since 1994. Italy wins its fourth World Cup title, beating France 5-3 in only the second final decided by a shootout. After 31 days and 64 matches, the championship of the world's most popular sports event came down to one moment. Italian goalkeeper Gianlugi Buffon finishes the World Cup not having allowed a goal from the other team in the run of play. MULTIMEDIAPost's Jon DeNunzio and Jason La Canfora review the championship game. XM Satellite Radio's Dave Johnson calls of the key moments in Italy's win. U.S. REPORT After eight years at the helm, Bruce Arena, pictured, will not be back as coach of the U.S. soccer team. Video: The challenges facing soccer in the United States and ways to improve its national standing. U.S. Soccer Federation president, Sunil Gulati, defends Coach Bruce Arena. Arena draws the ire of the MLS. Arena weighs his next move. Though a commercial success at home, the U.S. team's performance in Germany is a disappointment. The Americans are eliminated after a 2-1 loss to Ghana. » Match Report WORLD CUP JOURNAL The road has reached Germany, and Post staffers continue to keep you updated with the latest tidbits. Save & Share |
Saving options
Coach Karel Bruckner said he'll wait until just before the team's departure for Germany to decide whether to take Smicer, who has been out for the last three months with a hamstring injury.
Smicer, who has scored 27 goals in 81 matches for the Czech Republic, hasn't played since getting injured with French club Bordeaux in February.
The Czechs open the World Cup against the United States on June 12.
___
MANCHESTER, England (AP) _ The Manchester United doctor treating injured England striker Wayne Rooney left the club Wednesday over what the team described as a "difference of opinion."
Mike Stone has been working with Rooney as he tries to recover from a broken bone in his right foot in time for the upcoming World Cup.
"We can confirm that Dr. Stone has left the club," United said in a statement. "There was a difference of opinion on a non-football and non-clinical issue, as a result of which Dr. Stone felt it to be in his and the club's best interests for him to leave."
The club said the decision "had nothing whatsoever to do with any medical treatment to any Manchester United player."
Rooney is scheduled to undergo a scan on his injured foot Thursday. The results will give England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson a clearer idea on whether Rooney can play at the World Cup.
___