After a 16 month absense, Pavel Nedved returns to reinforce the Czech Republic squad after multiple injuries hit the team. Norway on the other hand have to overturn the odds of history if they are to qualify for the world cup 2006, as no other team has overturned a first leg playoff deficit since the European playoffs were introduced in the 1998 World Cup Qualifiers.

Juventus striker Pavel Nedved decided to stop playing for the Czech Republic after an injury during the Euro 2004 quarter-final against Greece. Playing for the national team has added a heavy toll with his body and it is the reason he decided to retire from the international stage.

"This team has its captain, I am only substituting for him for one game" Nedved told reporters at a news conference. However there is secret optimism shared by many Czechs that the captain will stay in the team for the world cup 2006. The Germany world cup is also an excellent opportunity for Nedved to participate in a major international tournament.

Czech Republic midfielder Tomas Rosicky is injured and will possibly miss the world cup playoff. The Czechs will also have to do without captain Tomas Galasek due to suspension and will be replaced by Jan Polak, with Pavel Nedved to be honoured by being the captain. Nedved told reporters that he decided to play in the playoff as a replacement for Galasek and that he is not returning to the team.

"The Norwegians proved how resistant they might be, even on such a bad pitch they were dangerous. And of course they are going to be better in Prague.

The result means the match is the same as if we scored an early goal in the first minute. We are one goal ahead, but there are 89 minutes in front of us. And these will not be easy," Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner told reporters.

Norway's Daniel Braaten is suspended and midfielder Christian Grindheim missed the last training session due to injury.

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