"After 34 years as a coach I have decided to change my way of living," Bruckner told a press conference at the Czech federation headquarters in Prague.

The 68-year old tactician won the bronze medal with Czech in Euro 2004 but crashed from the first round of the World Cup 2006.

Bruckner had a very strong and experienced side but couldn't hold to World Champions Italy and a surprising Ghanaian side.

Czech will have to battle against Switzerland, Portugal and Turkey in group A of the Euro 2008 finals.