Koller prepares for Stam encounter

Koller will be aiming to continue his goal-a-game average

Czech Republic striker Jan Koller faces the man he believes is the best defender in the world when the Czech Republic play their first game at the European Championship.

The opposition are Holland and the defender in question is Manchester United's Jaap Stam.

Up until now, the most prolific Czech national side's forward in decades has managed an amazing average of one goal a game. But he is cautious ahead of the championship.

"We play teams with some of the best defenders in the world, it'll be difficult to score," Koller said prior to the Czech national team's departure for a one-week training camp in Seefeld, Austria.

Stam could block the way

"Stam is the best defender in the world, I'm looking forward to meeting him on the field," the striker added ahead of the 11 June meeting in Amsterdam.

The Czech Republic, whose 26-man squad will be cut to 22 for the championship, also face World Cup holders France and Denmark in what is probably the toughest of the four groups.

The 27-year old Koller, who plays for Anderlecht, has scored 13 goals in his 13 international team matches, the best national team performance since the legendary Josef Bican in the 1940s.

Stam is the best defender in the world, I'm looking forward to meeting him on the field

Jan Koller

He scored 20 goals in Belgium last season, becoming the league's third top scorer, but admits that Euro 2000 will be more of a challenge.

"In Anderlecht, it's different, I have a lot of space and a lot of chances," the towering 2.03-metre striker said.

"But at Euro 2000 we will rely more on the team sprit than on the individual performances."