Straka, 50, replaces Petr Rada who was relieved of his duty last month, following a series of poor results in the World Cup qualifiers.

The former Czechoslovakia international beat off competition from Dusan Uhrin, who led the Czechs to the EURO 96 final in England.

Straka's first match will be a friendly against Malta next month.

He is expected to face a tough task in the qualifiers, as Czech Republic are currently fourth of their group with just eight points from six games.