Vladimír Šmicer

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Vladimír Šmicer
Personal information
Date of birth May 24, 1973 (age 33)
Place of birth    Děčín, Czechoslovakia
Height 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in)
Nickname Šušu
Playing position Midfielder
Club information
Current club FC Girondins de Bordeaux
Number 11
Youth clubs
1979-85
1985-87
1987-92		 TJ Verneřice
Kovostroj Děčín
Slavia Praha
Senior clubs1
Years Club App (Gls)*
1992-96
1996-99
1999-2005
2005-		 Slavia Praha
RC Lens
Liverpool
Girondins Bordeaux		 81 (26)
91 (16)
119 (10)
25 (3)   
National team2
1993
1995-		 Czechoslovakia
Czech Republic		 1 (0)
81 (27)

1 Senior club appearances and goals
counted for the domestic league only and
correct as of May 26, 2006.
2 National team caps and goals correct
as of May 26, 2006.
* Appearances (Goals)

Vladimír Šmicer (born May 24, 1973 in Děčín) is a Czech football (soccer) midfielder and forward, who currently plays for Girondins Bordeaux in the French Ligue 1.

Contents

[edit] Career

Šmicer joined Liverpool in 1999, having previously played for Slavia Prague (1992-96) and Lens (1996-99). A key member of the Czech Republic national team, he has 72 caps, scoring 25 goals (as of the end of 2004). Šmicer played for his country at Euro 1996, Euro 2000, and Euro 2004. He also has one cap for the old Czechoslovakia national team.

It could be argued that Smicer played his best football when he played for RC Lens. He played in the the Champions' league and played a pivotal role in the side's successes in this tournament. He left RC Lens to move to Liverpool in 1999 to experience life in Premiership football. His best season in terms of contribution to the Lens cause was probably 1997-98, when Lens won the championship. He scored 7 goals and was a leader on the ground.

Upon arriving at Anfield in 1999, Smicer made his debut for Liverpool in a game against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough. Liverpool won the game 2-0 and Smicer impressed with his initial input. However, a series of injuries blighted his first few seasons at Anfield and he was in and out of the team. However, there were some memorable moments for the Czech Republic international, including a late winning goal against Chelsea and a stunning volley against Borussia Dortmund.

During the 2004/05 season, Liverpool under the management of Rafael Benitez guided themselves towards the Champions League Final and by a twist of fate provided Vlad with a remarkable career highlight. Due to an injury to Harry Kewell, Smicer was introduced to the match with the score 1-0 to AC Milan. At this stage in his Liverpol career, Smicer was restricted to rare cameo roles as a substitute. His introduction to the game was met by groans by the Liverpool fans, who while always supportive of Vlad had come to see him as a failure. Liverpool were to go in three goals down at half time. However in an amazing 6 minute spell, Liverpool managed to score three goals to take the game to extra time and eventualy penalties. The second of these goals was scored by Vlad, a 20 yard strike beating Brazilian goalkeeper Dida at the far post. It has been said that Steven Gerrard's first goal gave Liverpool hope, but it was Vlad's goal that gave them belief, that the Miracle of Istanbul was possible. Liverpool went on to win the match on a penalty shootout reclaiming the title and winning it for the fifth time. With the weight of greatness on his shoulders, Smicer stepped forward to score what proved to be the winning penalty. In one amazing game, Smicer went from Anfield flop to secure a place in the Pantheon of Heroes in red. It was to be his final game for Liverpool, but he left with his head held high, content that his contribution to the great club would never be forgotten.

Due to the vision that Liverpool's manager, Rafael Benitez had for the club, it was decided before the game that Smicer's contract was not to be renewed. Smicer moved on to Bordeaux in the summer of 2005 as a free agent held high regard by the Anfield faithful. Liverpool were drawn against Bordeaux to play in the 2006/07 Champions League and "Vladi" as he was known to Liverpool fans mentioned his delight at returning to Anfield, although injury barred him from playing a part in either of the two Group Stage matches between the sides.

[edit] Honours

[edit] SK Slavia Praha

  • 1995/96 Czech 1.league 18 games, 2 goals

[edit] RC Lens

[edit] Liverpool

[edit] Career Stats

  • Slavia Prague 81/26
  • Lens 93/17
  • Liverpool 184/19
  • Bordeaux 25/3
  • C.Republic 71/25

[edit] Links


FC Girondins de Bordeaux - Current Squad

1 Olimpa | 2 Baysse | 3 C. Henrique | 4 Peruchini | 5 Menegazzo | 6 Jurietti | 7 Cavenaghi | 8 Alonso | 9 Darcheville | 10 Francia | 11 Šmicer | 12 Perea | 13 Jemmali | 14 Micoud | 16 Ramé | 17 Wendel | 18 Faubert | 19 Ducasse | 20 Dalmat | 21 Enakarhire | 23 Marange | 24 Mavuba | 25 Cid | 26 Obertan | 27 Planus | 28 Trémoulinas | 29 Chamakh | 30 Valverde | Manager: Ricardo Gomes
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