Prague - Frantisek Straka has been appointed Czech Republic national team coach, the nation's football federation said on Tuesday. Straka, 50, takes over from Petr Rada, who was sacked last month after poor results in the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign. The Czech team ranks fourth in its group, with only the group winner assured of a berth at the finals in South Africa.
Straka's first game in charge will be a friendly with Malta on June 5.
The 35-times capped Straka spent most of his playing career in Germany at clubs including Borussia Moenchengladbach and Hansa Rostock. He has worked as a coach since 1991 in several countries, his last club being Greek side OFI Crete.
