Pavel Nedved believes the Czech Republic need a miracle to qualify for the second round of the World Cup.

The Czechs 2-0 defeat against African World Cup debutants Ghana on Saturday and Italy's 1-1 draw with USA has left Group E wide open ahead of the final group matches - with all four nations still in with a chance of making the last 16.

Karel Bruckner's men face group leaders Italy in Hamburg on Thursday knowing that a win would guarantee their place in the second round.

However, Juventus playmaker Nedved is far from optimistic - especially with Tomas Ujfalusi and Vratislav Lokvenc missing out through suspension and strike duo Milan Baros and Jan Koller unavailable due to injury.

"Although we defeated USA, we knew that we had not won it yet. We wanted to get a point against Ghana, but we did not achieve this. Now we are in the worst position of all," said Nedved.

"We do not have the points, we play against the strongest opponent in the group, we have lost two more players. Now a miracle must happen.

"I do not think our chances are big. We have got into a situation where we have to win promotion against the strongest team."