[Morrison]

http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...ia/jun22q.html

Gianluigi Buffon confirms he enjoyed the battle with rival Petr Cech, but Pavel Nedved admits he’s considering retirement this summer.


“Pavel was sick of seeing me make all those saves after a while. As for Cech, he made a good save on Francesco Totti,” smiled the goalkeeper after a splendid performance in the 2-0 win over the Czech Republic.



“I made sure I was ready for anything. I liked the spirit we showed during this game, as you can see that when it’s really necessary, we step up a gear and hold together like a great squad. This is our strength.”



However, the goalkeeper confessed he wasn’t entirely happy about avoiding Brazil in the second round, setting up a clash with either Australia or Croatia.



“It’s better to face strong sides, as when we’re concentrated, we’re afraid of nobody. After all, the USA looked like an easy win, but when you think it’s going to be simple, that’s when you end up with a red face.”



Buffon’s Juventus teammate Nedved was downhearted at the final whistle and admits it could well be the end of his career.



“Perhaps it is my last match in football, let alone at international level. I am really tired and worn down, as I’m 34 years old now. I have to run so much in my role, it’s not easy. I enjoy training, but I don’t know if I’m able to play great games anymore. If I do decide to continue, I’d have no problem playing for Juventus in Serie B, as I’d do anything for this club. I’ll have to wait and make a decision with a relaxed state of mind.”



The Czechs got off to a great start in the competition, but crumbled after Jan Koller’s injury and lost their last two games.



“Unfortunately, we tried everything, but had no fit strikers left and it was a miracle Baros managed to last that long. However, the sides that went through deserved it.

We had played on a par with a great side like Italy, but Jan Polak’s red card really cut us down.”



Nedved was his team’s most dangerous player on the day and stung the palms of club companion Buffon several times.


“Buffon saved everything we threw at him! I knew he was one of the best goalkeepers in the world and that he’d give us problems. I tried to beat Italy, but couldn’t do it. They are a strong side that could go far in this competition, but we really lost our qualification against Ghana. We should’ve approached it differently and I’m not sure that we did underestimate them, but with so many injuries in the same area of the team, we did what we could.”