This season, there will be no more scrutinized goalie in the world than Chelsea’s Petr Cech. After the goal he gave up at Euro 2008 to Nihat Kahveci that allowed Turkey to tie their final group stage match against the Czech Republic, Cech temporarily knocked himself out of the discussion for world’s best keeper, a debate which now leaves Juventus’s Gianluigi Buffon and Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas as its only candidates. It was not just the Euro 2008-aberration. Others remembered the howler Cech let in against Liverpool towards the end of Chelsea’s Champions League semifinal.

Yesterday in Moscow, Chelsea’s friendly against Lokomotiv in the Russian Railways Cup offered another reason to wonder if Cech will ascend back to the form that had him voted Europe’s best goalkeeper twice.

Chelsea had been protecting an early Michael Essien goal for most of the match when Loko was awarded a direct free kick from just outside the box. There was less than ten minutes remaining in regular time. Cech positioned his wall and looked like he had Ruslan Kambalov’s free kick covered. As the ball came around the wall and towards the lower right-hand corner of Cech’s goal, the keeper curiously pulled his hands back slightly from the save, presumedly to let the ball would go wide. The curving shot hit the inside of the post and went in to tie the match in a true “I can’t believe that just happened” moment.

Lokomotiv would go on to win the match on penalty kicks, with Cech failing to stop any of Loko’s attempts.

It was just a friendly, and of the three goals mentioned here, only one has been truly consequential, but in all three instances, Cech was trying to stop shots and did not do it (for what ever reason). For people trying to assess Petr Cech, trying to determine what he is capable of, these instances matter.

Petr Cech is capable of some of the best goaltending in the world. Last season, his return from injury to Chelsea’s lineup was one of the main reasons the Blues were able to push for both the Premiership and Champions League titles. Still, his tendency to allow goals like these is troublesome, keeping him out of the conversation of best goaltender in the world.

Beyond Petr Cech’s performance, the Loko match exhibited one of Chelsea’s more worrisome tendencies from last season. Chelsea had a knack for playing down to their opponents’ level - of either relaxing once they got a lead or not doing enough to get leads early. Their Champions League loss in Istanbul to Fenerbahçe showed this, as did their final Premiership match against Bolton, to name two of the more obvious examples.

Similarly in this match, Chelsea controlled most of the match but showed an unwillingness to put forth the effort to get that critical second goal. The one player who really stood out in his effort - a possibly rejuvenated Niclas Anelka, who beautifully trapped a cross onto Essien’s left foot for the goal - lacked teammates who matched his intensity. They kept the lead at one, given Loko the opportunity to win in kicks should something like a Cech hiccup happen.

Loko is a very good team, possibly a title threat in the Russian Premier League, but they were clearly not in Chelsea’s league. You do not want to take too much from a friendly, but if Chelsea goes through a second season of leaving points on the pitch like this, they can forget about winning a Premiership where Manchester United will be joined by improved Arsenal and Liverpool sides.

Richard Farley is a regular contributor to American Soccer Reader and maintains his own blog. If you have any questions or comments about the article, you can email the him here or leave your comment, below.

Country: Czech Republic

Manager: Karel Bruckner, Brucker announced he will be stepping down after Euro 2008, and will surely like to leave the country with silverware.

Euro 2004 Performance:  Four years ago, the Czechs found themselves in the game of the tournament as they crawled back from a two-goal deficit to claim victory over Holland in the group stages.  After the 3-0 trouncing of Denmark in the Quarterfinals, the Czechs ultimately lost to the eventual winner Greece in the Semis near the end of the first period of extra-time.

Euro 2008 Qualifier Performance:  In the two years of qualifying, the Czech Republic finished first in Group D, with Germany qualifying with them in second place.  The Czechs only suffered one loss in the group and finished with 29 points with a 9-2-1 record.

Key Attacking Player: Jan Koller is surely the attacking player in need of watching come start of the tournament.  His domineering height and ball skills will undoubtedly be one of the reasons the Czechs will advance to the knockout stages.  With his move from Monaco only months ago, Koller claimed two goals this half of the campaign but will be thirsty at goal come June.

Key Defensive Player: Petr Cech.  Although not technically part of the back four, the heart of the defense will revolve around Peter Cech.  His keeping and world-class prowess will give the Czechs the cushion they need to progress.  I would be surprised to see Cech give up more than 2 goals the entire group.

Breakout Player: With their aging side becoming more and more of a factor as well, a new star better be grown if they want to prevail two years from now in South Africa.

Predicted Group Finish: Second Given the circumstances of the setting for the tournament, finishing second will be a tough task as Switzerland will come under national unity and not be rolled over.

With the overwhelming experience on the Czech team, jitters and nerves should not even be mentioned as a problem.  As for this tournament, a strong squad could see them either go far, or barely leave the gate.  The news of Tomas Rosicky’s injury keeping him out of Euro ’08 is a big hit to the team, as their driving midfield force will be missing.  This injury could prove to be a giant shock to the psyche of the Czech team and its supporters.

Country: Portugal

Manager: Luiz Felipe Scolari

Euro 2004 Performance:  Four years ago, Portugal was the host of the Euro Championships and commandeered themselves all the way to the final.  Yet, they fell in the final to the Greece in heartbreak.  That loss will just be more of an incentive for Portugal to be strong contenders come this tournament.

Euro 2008 Qualifying Performance: In Group A of qualifying, Portugal finished second behind Poland.  They finished qualifying with a 7-6-1 record.

Key Attacking Player: Cristiano Ronaldo will undoubtedly be the man to watch of the tournament.  Having been in formidable form the entire season, he will be looking for that first major international trophy, and will have the desire to do it after being apart of the team that was heart broken four years ago.  Look for Ronaldo to possibly be the top scorer in this tournament.

Key Defensive Player: Ricardo Carvalho is obviously a good defender, but his sometimes lackadaisical play as seen on numerous occasions this year has led to many missed chances for Chelsea.  His latest was the sloppy back pace right to Wayne Rooney in the crucial Man Utd game.  Although he was saved there, that kind of careless play would not be what Portugal are looking for if they plan to lift the trophy.

Breakout Player: Normally, I would have to say Nani.  But since his summer arrival to Manchester last year, he has already shown his capabilities.  Therefore, Miguel Véloso is the player I would guarantee is ready to sprout into his own.  The Sporting Lisbon player will be eager to show his class and use the tournament as a stage to show it off.

Predicted Group Finish: First With the world’s number one player on your team, it would be difficult not seeing Portugal reach at least the semis.  As well the teams natural ability to play fluid football, the chemistry in the Portugal locker room is reminiscent to that of your Sunday game every weekend.  With all of gears going for Portugal, this June should taste pretty sweet.

Thoughts:  With the exclusion of Maniche from the squad, the player that was so influential in both Euro ’04 and the last World Cup, it will be interesting to see who will step into those shoes and be the driving force.  With so much young talent on the Portugal bench, their only downfall may be the lack of experience.  With Figo out, Deco will have to assume the role of keeping the team a tight knit group.  Personally, Portugal is my favorite to win it all.

Country: Switzerland

Manager: Kobi Kuhn

Euro 2004 Performance: Back in Portugal four years ago, Switzerland failed to make it out of the group stages of the competition, yet alone win a match. With a two losses and a draw, they will be looking to show their footballing capabilities now that they are hosting.

Euro 2008 Qualifying Performance: Due to the fact that they are one of the hosts this year, they did not have to qualify.

Key Attacking Player: Tranquillo Barnetta is surely one of the bright stars for Switzerland.  After first being called up in 2004, he was influential last World Cup but unfortunately had his penalty thump the crossbar, leading to the eventual 3-0 win on PK’s for the Ukraine.  However, he was shortlisted for the tournaments Best Young Player award.  In this current campaign, he has netted 6 goals for Bayer Leverkusen and more will come from him this June.

Key Defensive Player: Philippe Senderos will have to be the strong hold of the defense for Switzerland come June.  Many of us who watch his play in the Premier league might rush off to call him rubbish, yet he does possess quality, and it will be that quality that will see Switzerland put on a good performance.

Breakout Player: Gelson Fernandes has been hailed by Sven Goran Eriksson as the “best young player in Switzerland.”  Since his move to Manchester City last summer, he’s netted twice, but impressively scored his first goal within 40 seconds of his first appearance for the club.  Although he may not get many opportunities, his contributions will be greatly needed if Switzerland is to advance.

Predicted Group Finish: Third.  Although they are gaining talent at the national level, the hosts won’t be able to pull through and will unfortunately just miss out on the elimination rounds.

Thoughts:  Although Switzerland has a promising side, the experience of the Czech Republic will earn them the second qualifying spot, and leave the Swiss out of the tournament.  If the defense remains strong, the goals will just have to pour in for them, then the Swiss could very well sneak into the elimination rounds.

Country: Turkey

Manager: Fatih Terim

Euro 2004 Performance: Failed to Qualify

Euro 2008 Qualifying Performance: Turkey finished second in Group C of qualifying behind Greece.  They finished on 24 points with a 7-3-2 record.  

Key Attacking Player: Tuncay Sanli has given us wonder strikes in the Premier league for Middlesbrough.  If he can provide those electric goals, Turkey might just find the sparks needed to escape the group stages and climb to the elimination rounds.

Key Defensive Player: Emre Asik will be the holding force in the Turkish defense.  The captain will need to keep his line strong, as they will be faced with the tough task of beginning the tournament against one of the favorites, Portugal.   

Breakout Player: Kazim Kazim has proven his class since his move to the Turkish club Fenerbahçe.  He was highly instrumental in their progress in the Champions League and without a doubt will be scoring goals come this June.

Predicted Group Finish: Fourth.  

Thoughts: Hamit Altintop would be the Turkish star this June.  The Bayern striker however may miss the tournament after breaking a metatarsal bone in his right foot.  After being in fabulous form this campaign, his loss would be astronomical.  With Altintop gone, it is hard to imagine Turkey creating the same brilliance they managed back at the 2002 World Cup.