Profile

The long-time understudy to Petr Cech, veteran goalkeeper Jaromir Blazek has been present at three previous major tournaments. Six times a Czech championship winner, he has just endured a difficult first season abroad, suffering relegation from the German Bundesliga with 1. FC Nürnberg.

Began with SK Slavia Praha but played for three other clubs before returning in 1995/96, where he helped club to the title – as deputy keeper to Czech international Jan Stejskal.

Rejoined FC Bohemians Praha following season but relegated and spent two years in second tier before promotion in 1999.

Moved to AC Sparta Praha in January 2000 and won first of five championship titles with club that year; also three Czech Cup wins (played in all three finals).

Made 20 consecutive UEFA Champions League appearances for Sparta between 2003 and 2006.

Left for Nürnberg in summer 2007, at age of 34, after winning domestic double with Sparta.

Just one UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying appearance – in 3-1 home win over Slovakia.

Did you know?

Blazek is a member of an exclusive club of goalkeepers who have more than 100 clean sheets in the Czech top flight, having collected a total of 112 before his departure for Germany.