Pavel Nedvěd (Part 2)

On 23 September 2017, it was announced that Pavel Nedvěd had transferred to FK Skalná, a club based in his native village of Skalná. The club competes in the 1. B class of the Karlovy Vary Region, which is the seventh level of the Czech football hierarchy. The chairman of the club stated that it had been Nedvěd's dream to play alongside his son, and this transfer would make that dream a reality. However, it was suggested that Nedvěd's appearance in a home fixture against TJ Baník Královské Poříčí B on 2 June 2018 might be a one-time occurrence due to his residency in Italy and his role as vice-president of Juventus.Despite the speculation, Nedvěd did indeed start in the match for Skalná, but the team suffered a 1–4 defeat, with neither Nedvěd nor his son scoring during the game.


Nedvěd began his international career with the Czechoslovakia national youth teams in 1988, starting in the under-15 age group before progressing through the under-16, under-17, and under-18 teams. He made his debut for the under-21 team in 1992, appearing seven times between 1992 and 1993.His senior international career with the Czech Republic began in June 1994, in a 3–1 victory over the Republic of Ireland. Nedvěd's first major tournament appearance was at Euro 1996, where he scored his first senior international goal and helped his team reach the final. He also represented the Czech team in the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup, where they finished third, defeating Uruguay in the third-place match. Nedvěd scored two goals during the tournament, both coming in the Czech Republic's 6–1 victory over the United Arab Emirates in their final group match, which secured their place in the semi-finals, where they were ultimately defeated by eventual champions Brazil.


In the opening match against Germany, the Czech Republic was not expected to pose a significant threat, and Nedvěd missed two scoring opportunities. He was one of ten players to receive a yellow card as Germany won 2–0. However, Nedvěd played a crucial defensive role, clearing a goal-bound shot from Christian Ziege off the line.Nedvěd scored his first senior international goal in the Group C match against Italy, giving the Czech Republic a 1–0 lead after four minutes. Despite Italy equalizing in the first half and being reduced to ten men, the Czech Republic secured a 2–1 victory before halftime. In the third group match against Russia, Nedvěd received his second yellow card of the tournament as the Czechs drew 3–3 to advance to the knockout stage.


Due to suspension, Nedvěd missed the Czech Republic's quarter-final match against Portugal. Despite his absence, the Czechs emerged victorious and progressed to the next round. In the semi-final against France, Nedvěd was named man of the match as the Czech Republic advanced to the final after a penalty shootout. He successfully converted his nation's second penalty shot. However, in the final against Germany, Nedvěd and the Czech Republic team suffered a 2–1 defeat, with Germany scoring a golden goal.


Before Euro 2000, Nedvěd struggled to train normally due to an ankle injury. In the Czechs' first match against the Netherlands, both Nedvěd and his teammate Jan Koller hit the woodwork without scoring, and the Dutch secured a controversial penalty to win 1–0. In the second match against France, Nedvěd was fouled, resulting in a Czech penalty that was converted by Karel Poborský to equalize the score at 1–1. Despite making two shots on goal, Nedvěd couldn't beat French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez, and France won the match 2–1. With the Czech Republic already eliminated after two matches, Nedvěd played in the third group match against Denmark, where the Czechs secured a 2–0 victory. Following Euro 2000, Nedvěd assumed the role of national team captain from Jiří Němec.


The midfielder was persuaded by coach Karel Brückner and his teammates to come out of international retirement in time for the 2006 World Cup qualification playoffs against Norway, in which the Czech Republic qualified for the final tournament for the first time since the breakup of Czechoslovakia. Although Nedvěd's World Cup participation was jeopardized by a June knee injury, he was able to play.


The Czechs won the first match of the 2006 World Cup 3–0 against the United States, but key players were injured. They then lost their next two group matches against Ghana and eventual winners Italy, finishing third in their group. Nedvěd's apparent goal at the beginning of the second half in the match against Ghana was ruled offside. His shots on goal against Italy were saved by Juventus teammate Gianluigi Buffon. Nedvěd again announced his retirement from the international scene before the August 2006 friendly match against Serbia, in which he made his 91st appearance. He refused to reverse his decision before Euro 2008, despite requests from teammates and Brückner. In the 91 appearances he made for his national side, Nedvěd scored 18 goals.


A complete, tenacious, and consistent two-footed player, Nedvěd frequently operated as a left-sided offensive wide midfielder or left-winger due to his crossing ability with his left foot and his capability to cut inside and shoot with his right foot. However, his versatility, physicality, and tackling ability allowed him to play anywhere in midfield, contributing both offensively and defensively. He was occasionally deployed as a central midfielder or in an attacking midfield role, excelling as an assist-man due to his dribbling, passing, and vision. Known for his powerful shots and volleys from distance, as well as his stamina and dynamic playing style, Nedvěd was also praised for his speed, acceleration, endurance, technique, and goal-scoring ability. He was an accurate set-piece and penalty kick taker.


Recognizable for his trademark long blonde hair, Nedvěd earned the nickname from fans for his skill, consistency, stamina, pace, power, and determination. In the English media, he was referred to as the Czech cannon. Former Lazio manager Sven-Göran Eriksson described him as an atypical midfielder, totally complete. Despite his talents, Nedvěd's aggressive playing style and disciplinary record led to criticism from some, who accused him of being overly reckless in tackles and too quick to go to ground when challenged.


The son of Václav and Anna, Nedvěd had been living with his wife Ivana since 1992. The couple has two children, named Ivana and Pavel after their parents. However, the couple split in 2019, and the former footballer began dating an equestrian who is 23 years his junior. Nedvěd's autobiography, titled La mia vita normale. Di corsa tra rivoluzione, Europa e Pallone d'oro, was published in Italian in 2010. It was translated into Czech as and released in the Czech Republic in 2011.

References

1.  "Comunicato Ufficiale N. 131" [Official Statement No. 131] (PDF) (in Italian). Lega Serie A. 23 December 2019. p. 3. Retrieved 31 October 2021.
2. ^ "Pavel Nedvěd". Juventus. Archived from the original on 18 December 2008. Retrieved 20 April 2022.
3. ^ "Pavel Nedved". Retrieved 21 September 2014.
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5. ^ Dunmore, Tom (2011). Historical Dictionary of Soccer. Scarecrow Press. p. 184. ISBN 9780810871885.
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10. a b c d e Jeřábek, Luboš (2007). Český a československý fotbal – lexikon osobností a klubů (in Czech). Prague: Grada Publishing. p. 132. ISBN 978-80-247-1656-5. Retrieved 18 March 2012.
11. a b c d Kellner, Tomáš (17 July 1996). "Plzen battles Sparta Praha off the pitch". The Prague Post. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
12. a b Bouc, František (30 April 1997). "Soccer club incensed over CMFS ruling". The Prague Post. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 8 October 2015.
13. ^ "Afketsen transfer Nedved grootste teleurstelling" [Ricochet transfer Nedved biggest disappointment] (in Dutch). psv.nl. 26 March 2004. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 8 June 2011.