Czech Republic sack coach Hasek after Faroes flop

The Czech Republics football association FACR has dismissed national team manager Ivan Hasek on Wednesday after a shocking 2-1 loss to the Faroe Islands in a 2026 World Cup qualifying match.

Aiming to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2006 the Czech side remains uncertain about reaching the playoffs in March a position worsened by Sundays defeat in Torshavn.

Croatia heads Group L three points clear of the Czech Republic and the 2018 World Cup finalists hold an additional fixture against their opponents.

The Faroe Islands sit one point adrift of the Czechs with each team facing one final game in the group.

We have ended our partnership with Ivan Hasek effective immediately FACR president David Trunda stated to the media.

Trunda noted that the FACR plans to appoint a new manager potentially from overseas.

A temporary coach is expected to oversee the squad for their concluding World Cup qualifier versus Gibraltar on home soil in November.

Hasek launched his second term leading the national team prior to Euro 2024 where the Czechs failed to advance beyond the group phase.

Analysts have faulted the 62 year old ex midfielder for employing a lacklustre approach on the pitch although he lamented the absence of talent matching legends like Pavel Nedved or Tomas Rosicky.

Hasek drew sharp criticism after suffering a 5-1 thrashing by Croatia in a June World Cup qualifier.

During his playing days Hasek netted five goals across 56 caps for Czechoslovakia and as skipper guided the nation to the 1990 World Cup quarter finals in Italy.

In management he steered Sparta Prague to successive Czech league crowns in 2000 and 2001.

Following that his coaching path proved itinerant encompassing spells in France Japan the United Arab Emirates Qatar and a role with the Lebanon national side.

Haseks initial appointment with the Czech national team occurred in 2009 during which he managed a mere five encounters.