Václav Sverkoš
Encyclopedia
Václav Svěrkoš (ˈvaːtslaf ˈsvjɛrkoʃ; born 1 November 1983 in Třinec
) is a Czech
footballer
who is currently playing for FC Baník Ostrava
in Czech Gambrinus liga
. He was the opening scorer in the Euro 2008 tournament.
, playing on U15 international for the Czech Republic already. Still eligible to feature for Baník's U19, Svěrkoš enjoyed his breakthrough in the Gambrinus liga
, the best Czech division, for the Silesian city outfit after the departure of Milan Baroš
. His record of 14 goals in just 26 first-team appearances for Ostrava and similar performances in the Czech Republic national under-21 football team
got German club Borussia Mönchengladbach
interested. Mönchengladbach had been unable to extend the half-a-season loan of Chelsea
's Mikael Forssell
, the team's top scorer in 2002–2003, in those times and regarded Svěrkoš a potential long-term replacement for the Finland
international.
, Svěrkoš took advantage of a change of manager at the club and he was able to end up the teams topscorer in 2003–2004 with nine goals in 31 Bundesliga matches. His most notable contribution came half-way through that campaign when he netted a hat-trick in Mönchengladbach's win over Champions League participant VfB Stuttgart
(4–2) in the last 16 of the German Cup
competition.
A year later, Mönchengladbach only just avoided relegation in a season in which Svěrkoš netted seven goals for them, his ongoing presence in the youth ranks for the Czech Republic awarded him the captaincy of the Czech U21
. However, his third season under contract in German football turned out to be extremely problematic. Problems in his private life, followed by poor form, took the ground from under his feet and made him long for a change. Initially planning to go on loan to MSV Duisburg
, UEFA Cup
participants Hertha BSC became his interim club for the remainder of the season in December 2005.
Even this change of environment did not work for Svěrkoš and though he was facing uncertain times with Hertha BSC unwilling to buy him and Mönchengladbach, to whom he had to return to at the end of the season, seemingly willing to finally sell him to another club. Mönchengladbach's decision to part with manager Horst Köppel
at the same time proved to be fortunate as one of the first decisions of Köppel's successor Jupp Heynckes
was allowing him to stay on and make a fresh start at the club.
. He found his form again after the winter break, scoring eleven goals in thirteen matches during the spring part of Gambrinus liga
. He was the top scorer of the Czech Championship 2007–2008, with 15 goals, 3 more than the runner-up Miroslav Slepička
from Sparta Prague. This caused several clubs to be interested in signing him after UEFA Euro 2008, but Svěrkoš spent the rest of the year in Ostrava, in December 2008 he agreed to transfer to French
Ligue 1
side FC Sochaux.
and made his debut in the friendly match against Lithuania
on 27 May. On 14 May 2008, it was announced that he would be part of the Czech squad for Euro 2008.After a defeat in the match against Slovakia, Rada was fired as coach. After a breach of discipline reported by a Czech tabloid (reportedly involving prostitutes), the Czech federation banned Ujfaluši, Baroš, Fenin, Matějovský, Svěrkoš and Kováč indefinitely. Ujfaluši, then the captain, immediately quit the international team. However, Svěrkoš was recalled to the national side after the appointment of Ivan Hašek
as head coach and on 12 August 2009, he marked his return to international duty by earning his team a penalty
in the 3:1 home win against Belgium in a friendly. He scored his 2nd international goal against San Marino
.
, Svěrkoš scored his first goal for his national side against Switzerland
in the 71st minute of the opening match of the tournament on 7 June 2008. It also turned out to be the first goal of the tournament as the Czech Republic won the match 1–0.
Trinec
Třinec is a town in Frýdek-Místek District, Moravian-Silesian Region of the Czech Republic. It lies on the Olza River, in the historical region of Cieszyn Silesia. The town has 37,405 inhabitants as of 2009, in 2001 17.7% of the population were Poles...
) is a Czech
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest....
footballer
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
who is currently playing for FC Baník Ostrava
FC Baník Ostrava
FC Baník Ostrava is a football club from the Silesian part of the city of Ostrava, Czech Republic. It is based in Slezská Ostrava district of the city....
in Czech Gambrinus liga
Gambrinus Liga
The Gambrinus liga is a Czech professional league for football clubs. At the top of the Czech football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. It is contested by 16 clubs, operating a system of promotion and relegation with the Czech 2. Liga. Seasons run from August to May,...
. He was the opening scorer in the Euro 2008 tournament.
Gambrinus liga
He started his career at VP Frýdek-Místek. At the age of fourteen he switched to Baník OstravaFC Baník Ostrava
FC Baník Ostrava is a football club from the Silesian part of the city of Ostrava, Czech Republic. It is based in Slezská Ostrava district of the city....
, playing on U15 international for the Czech Republic already. Still eligible to feature for Baník's U19, Svěrkoš enjoyed his breakthrough in the Gambrinus liga
Gambrinus Liga
The Gambrinus liga is a Czech professional league for football clubs. At the top of the Czech football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. It is contested by 16 clubs, operating a system of promotion and relegation with the Czech 2. Liga. Seasons run from August to May,...
, the best Czech division, for the Silesian city outfit after the departure of Milan Baroš
Milan Baroš
Milan Baroš is a Czech footballer who plays as a striker for Galatasaray and the Czech national football team.In the 2008–09 season, Baroš scored 20 goals in Turkish Süper Lig, the highest total in the league...
. His record of 14 goals in just 26 first-team appearances for Ostrava and similar performances in the Czech Republic national under-21 football team
Czech Republic national under-21 football team
The Czech Republic national under-21 football team is the national under-21 football team of the Czech Republic and is controlled by the Football Association of the Czech Republic...
got German club Borussia Mönchengladbach
Borussia Mönchengladbach
Borussia Mönchengladbach is a German association football club based in Mönchengladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia. The team plays in the Bundesliga and is one of the country's most well-known, well-supported, and successful teams. Borussia Mönchengladbach has over 40,000 members and is the sixth...
interested. Mönchengladbach had been unable to extend the half-a-season loan of Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
's Mikael Forssell
Mikael Forssell
Mikael Kaj Forssell is a Finnish footballer who plays as a striker for Football League Championship team Leeds United and for the Finnish national team.-Club career:...
, the team's top scorer in 2002–2003, in those times and regarded Svěrkoš a potential long-term replacement for the Finland
Finland national football team
The Finland national football team represents Finland in international football competitions and is controlled by the Football Association of Finland....
international.
Bundesliga
A stuttering start to life in Bundesliga under Ewald LienenEwald Lienen
Ewald Lienen is a German former footballer and manager.-Playing career:Lienen began his professional career at Arminia Bielefeld of the 2.Bundesliga North in 1974. After three seasons, he moved up to the top flight with Borussia Mönchengladbach...
, Svěrkoš took advantage of a change of manager at the club and he was able to end up the teams topscorer in 2003–2004 with nine goals in 31 Bundesliga matches. His most notable contribution came half-way through that campaign when he netted a hat-trick in Mönchengladbach's win over Champions League participant VfB Stuttgart
VfB Stuttgart
Verein für Bewegungsspiele Stuttgart 1893 e. V., commonly known as VfB Stuttgart, is a German sports club based in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg. The club is best known for its football team, which has participated in all but two Bundesliga seasons...
(4–2) in the last 16 of the German Cup
DFB-Pokal
The DFB-Pokal or DFB Cup is a German knockout football cup competition held annually. 64 teams participate in the competition, including all clubs from the Bundesliga and the 2nd Bundesliga. It is considered the second most important national title in German football after the Bundesliga...
competition.
A year later, Mönchengladbach only just avoided relegation in a season in which Svěrkoš netted seven goals for them, his ongoing presence in the youth ranks for the Czech Republic awarded him the captaincy of the Czech U21
Czech Republic national under-21 football team
The Czech Republic national under-21 football team is the national under-21 football team of the Czech Republic and is controlled by the Football Association of the Czech Republic...
. However, his third season under contract in German football turned out to be extremely problematic. Problems in his private life, followed by poor form, took the ground from under his feet and made him long for a change. Initially planning to go on loan to MSV Duisburg
MSV Duisburg
MSV Duisburg is a German association football club based in Duisburg, North Rhine-Westphalia. Nicknamed "the Zebras" for their traditional striped jerseys, the club was one of the original members of the Bundesliga when it was formed in 1963.-Early years:...
, UEFA Cup
UEFA Cup
The UEFA Europa League is an annual association football cup competition organised by UEFA since 1971 for eligible European football clubs. It is the second most prestigious European club football contest after the UEFA Champions League...
participants Hertha BSC became his interim club for the remainder of the season in December 2005.
Even this change of environment did not work for Svěrkoš and though he was facing uncertain times with Hertha BSC unwilling to buy him and Mönchengladbach, to whom he had to return to at the end of the season, seemingly willing to finally sell him to another club. Mönchengladbach's decision to part with manager Horst Köppel
Horst Köppel
Horst Köppel is a German football manager and former player, who last worked as Head coach for FC Ingolstadt 04.-Player:* UEFA Euro 1972 winner.* European Cup runner-up: 1977.* UEFA Cup winner: 1975, 1979....
at the same time proved to be fortunate as one of the first decisions of Köppel's successor Jupp Heynckes
Jupp Heynckes
Josef "Jupp" Heynckes is a German football coach and former player. As player he belonged to the core of the team of Borussia Mönchengladbach in its golden era of the 1960s and 1970s where he won many national championships and the Cup as well as the UEFA Cup...
was allowing him to stay on and make a fresh start at the club.
Return to Ostrava
In the summer of 2007 Svěrkoš returned to Baník OstravaFC Baník Ostrava
FC Baník Ostrava is a football club from the Silesian part of the city of Ostrava, Czech Republic. It is based in Slezská Ostrava district of the city....
. He found his form again after the winter break, scoring eleven goals in thirteen matches during the spring part of Gambrinus liga
Gambrinus Liga
The Gambrinus liga is a Czech professional league for football clubs. At the top of the Czech football league system, it is the country's primary football competition. It is contested by 16 clubs, operating a system of promotion and relegation with the Czech 2. Liga. Seasons run from August to May,...
. He was the top scorer of the Czech Championship 2007–2008, with 15 goals, 3 more than the runner-up Miroslav Slepička
Miroslav Slepicka
Miroslav Slepička is a Czech footballer currently playing for Sparta Prague.He is a forward who wore the prized no. 10 shirt for Sparta Prague...
from Sparta Prague. This caused several clubs to be interested in signing him after UEFA Euro 2008, but Svěrkoš spent the rest of the year in Ostrava, in December 2008 he agreed to transfer to French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
side FC Sochaux.
International career
Svěrkoš was recently called up to the Czech Republic national football teamCzech Republic national football team
The Czech Republic national football team represents the Czech Republic in association football and is controlled by the Football Association of the Czech Republic, the governing body for football in the Czech Republic. Their current head coach is Michal Bílek...
and made his debut in the friendly match against Lithuania
Lithuania national football team
The national football team of Lithuania is under the auspices of the Lithuanian Football Federation. It played its first match in 1923. In 1940, Lithuania was occupied by the Soviet Union; the country regained its independence in 1990 and played their first match as a new nation against Georgia on...
on 27 May. On 14 May 2008, it was announced that he would be part of the Czech squad for Euro 2008.After a defeat in the match against Slovakia, Rada was fired as coach. After a breach of discipline reported by a Czech tabloid (reportedly involving prostitutes), the Czech federation banned Ujfaluši, Baroš, Fenin, Matějovský, Svěrkoš and Kováč indefinitely. Ujfaluši, then the captain, immediately quit the international team. However, Svěrkoš was recalled to the national side after the appointment of Ivan Hašek
Ivan Hašek
Ivan Hašek is a retired Czech footballer who played as a central midfielder.He spent 11 years of his career with Sparta Prague, appearing in more than 300 official games with the club, and later acting as its manager....
as head coach and on 12 August 2009, he marked his return to international duty by earning his team a penalty
Penalty kick
A penalty kick is a type of direct free kick in association football, taken from twelve yards out from goal and with only the goalkeeper of the defending team between the penalty taker and the goal.Penalty kicks are performed during normal play...
in the 3:1 home win against Belgium in a friendly. He scored his 2nd international goal against San Marino
San Marino national football team
The San Marino national football team is the national football team of San Marino, controlled by the San Marino Football Federation...
.
Euro 2008
At Euro 2008 in BaselBasel
Basel or Basle In the national languages of Switzerland the city is also known as Bâle , Basilea and Basilea is Switzerland's third most populous city with about 166,000 inhabitants. Located where the Swiss, French and German borders meet, Basel also has suburbs in France and Germany...
, Svěrkoš scored his first goal for his national side against Switzerland
Switzerland national football team
The Swiss national football team is the national football team of Switzerland...
in the 71st minute of the opening match of the tournament on 7 June 2008. It also turned out to be the first goal of the tournament as the Czech Republic won the match 1–0.
Czech Republic goals
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 7 June 2008 | Basel Basel Basel or Basle In the national languages of Switzerland the city is also known as Bâle , Basilea and Basilea is Switzerland's third most populous city with about 166,000 inhabitants. Located where the Swiss, French and German borders meet, Basel also has suburbs in France and Germany... , Switzerland Switzerland Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition.... |
1–0 | 1–0 | Euro 2008 | |
| 2. | 9 September 2009 | Uherské Hradiště Uherské Hradište Uherské Hradiště is a town in the Zlín Region of the Czech Republic. It lies on the Morava river and is the seat of the Uherské Hradiště District.- History :... , Czech Republic Czech Republic The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland to the northeast, Slovakia to the east, Austria to the south, and Germany to the west and northwest.... |
4–0 | 7–0 | 2010 WCQ |