The Czech Republic's hopes of World Cup glory received a huge boost when Pavel Nedved agreed to come out of international retirement in November 2005. The former European Player of the Year had called time on his international career after Euro 2004, having won 83 caps and played in three European Championships. However, coach Karel Bruckner persuaded him to turn out in the qualification play-off against Norway and after helping his country reach its first ever World Cup finals Nedved could not resist an invitation to play at Germany 2006. The left-footed playmaker has enjoyed a stunning club career, winning three Czech titles with Sparta Prague, the European Cup Winners' Cup and the Serie A title with Lazio and three (four) Serie A titles with Juventus.