Miroslav Koubek resigns as Czechia head coach after World Cup exit

Koubek's team ended bottom of Group A with one point following losses to co-hosts Mexico and South Korea and a 1-1 draw with South Africa.

The Czech Football Association announced the news on Monday after the team made their return home from the global showpiece.

The 74-year-old former Viktoria Plzen and Slavia Prague coach was appointed Czechia head coach prior to their play-offs, and they went on to beat the Republic of Ireland and Denmark on penalties to secure their first World Cup spot in 20 years.

FACR supremo David Trunda said in a statement: "We have agreed with coach Miroslav Koubek on terminating our cooperation.

"At a meeting today, the coach offered his resignation and I decided to accept the offer after an open and correct debate.

"Qualifying for the World Cup was an extraordinary moment for all of Czech football, and Mr. Miroslav Koubek played a huge part in it. For that, he deserves my sincere respect and thanks."

The coach added: "After the failure at the World Championship, for which I bear joint responsibility as head coach, after considering all the circumstances, I came to the conclusion that I would offer my position to the President of the FACR, David Trunda.

"After mutual discussion and consultation, the president accepted my proposal. The consequence is the termination of my work with the national team."

The coach further explained his reasoning behind terminating his position.

"A media campaign based on a series of half-truths and fabrications against me also contributed to my decision. In this atmosphere, my work with the Czech national team would no longer make sense," he said.

“I regret that after gaining knowledge from the World Cup, I will not be able to fulfil the specific and clear visions I had for my further work with the national team.”