Updating the World Cup outlook for FC Cincinnati stars

FC Cincinnati midfielder Pavel Bucha has been named to Czechia’s 29-man roster ahead of two friendlies for the national team. Czechia will play in this summer’s World Cup. They will play Kosovo May 31 in Prague, then according to local reports will cut the squad to the 26-player limit and leave for the United States.

The Czechs qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 2006 after beating Ireland and Denmark in penalty kicks in the UEFA playoffs in March. Bucha was on the roster for both games but did not play. Bucha is one of three players who were on the roster for the playoffs but did not see the pitch.

There are three newcomers to the squad in the 29-main roster. According to wire reports, 23-year old attacking midfielder Adam Hložek from German Bundesliga (premier league) club Hoffenheim has recovered from a long-term injury to be included in the preliminary team. He missed most of the season due to calf and foot injuries but has been fit enough to test him in warmup games.

Bucha has been a mainstay in the lineup for FC Cincinnati. He has two goals in the MLS season. Noted as one of the best two-way midfielders in MLS by pundits, he has played a lot at right wingback in recent games, which head coach Pat Noonan said could help him win a roster spot for Czechia.