Czech Midfielder Out of World Cup

Czech Republic midfielder Vladimir Smicer will miss the World Cup due to a hamstring injury.

"We came to a conclusion that, unfortunately, my condition makes it impossible for me to travel to the World Cup and help the team," Smicer told the Associated Press.

A replacement had not yet been made.

Losing the 32-year-old Bordeaux star should affect the talented Czech side, as he has scored 27 goals in 81 matches. He was hoping to recover from the injury, which has kept him out since originally injuring it back in February, but was simply unable to get healthy in time for the World Cup.

The Czech Republic will take on the United States, Ghana and Italy in Group E play.