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Baros fit for Netherlands showdown
 Baros' return to fitness gives the Czechs a boost ahead of the Dutch tie PRAGUE, Czech Republic -- Striker Milan Baros has given the Czech Republic a boost by declaring himself fit for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands. The Czech Republic are depleted by injuries and midfielder Tomas Rosicky admitted: "If Baros wasn't able to play, it would be a big complication for us." Baros has recently been suffering from an Achilles injury. Coach Karel Brueckner has already lost strikers Jan Koller and Vratislav Lokvenc as well as midfielder Vladimir Smicer, while midfielder Tomas Galasek is battling for fitness. With two games left the Dutch, on 28 points, need only a draw to secure top spot in Group One while defeat for the Czechs (24 points) could leave them vulnerable to third-placed Romania in the battle for a playoff spot. Romania have 22 points but only one game remaining, in Finland on Saturday. The Czechs' final match is also in Finland on Wednesday. Brueckner's selection problems are such that he even made a last ditch effort to lure back former captain Pavel Nedved to the international stage even though the two have clashed in the past. "Should I go with a free style of play, or with a more expedient formation? It's a dilemma," said Brueckner. Saturday's clash has extra edge, given the two country's recent rivalry. The two battled famously at Euro 2004 when the Czechs' 3-2 come-from-behind win nearly ended Dutch hopes in the group stage. The Dutch, though, won 2-0 in an early qualifying match for 2006. Coach Marco van Basten, unbeaten in 14 matches as national coach since he took over from Dick Advocaat in 2004, knows the Czechs are still dangerous despite the rash of injuries. "With almost a complete second team they beat Germany in the final group match at Euro 2004, so they are still able to reach a high level," he said. The Dutch finish their qualification campaign against Macedonia in Amsterdam. Van Basten must make do without the experienced Philip Cocu, who is suspended for two matches following his red card against Andorra last month, but welcomes back midfielders Edgar Davids and George Boateng. "It will be an interesting match against strong opponents and I hope it will show me how capable we are of playing our own game," the coach said. Probable teams: Czech Republic: Petr Cech; Zdenek Grygera, David Rozehnal, Tomas Ujfalusi, Pavel Mares; Karel Poborsky, Tomas Galasek, Tomas Rosicky, Jan Polak, Jiri Stajner; Milan Baros. Netherlands: Edwin van der Sar, Jan Kromkamp, Khalid Boulahrouz, Barry Opdam, Giovanni van Bronckhorst; Denny Landzaat, Hedwiges Maduro, Rafael van der Vaart; Dirk Kuijt, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Arjen Robben. 
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