Vladimir Smicer believes the Czech Republic would have reached the quarterfinals if his Liverpool team-mate Patrik Berger had not been suspended for their opening two matches. Winger Smicer has been a member of the Czech team which lost by the odd goal against France and Holland in their opening two matches.

They face Denmark in Liege in their final match and Berger will be included by coach Josef Chovanec after serving his suspension for a sending off against the Faroe Islands in qualifying.

The Danes have been uninspiring on the whole, barring the opening minutes of their match against France. Ajax winger Jesper Gronkjaer has been their most impressive outfield player and has been linked with a move away from the Amsterdam Arena.

But his side will be packing their bags and going home this week after failing to lift their game for the competition which gave them their greatest footballing triumph in 1992.