HAMBURG, June 23 - The Czech Republic's early exit from the World Cup has marked the last chance for the team's ageing players to win an international title after years of near misses.

Some of the team's best players, the backbone of a side that has won admirers over recent years for their flowing and technical style, are at the end of their careers and will not play in another World Cup. What has been the best Czech side in a generation, they would be the first to admit that success this year was unlikely because of a squad depleted through injury and suspension. Losses to Ghana and Italy in group games sealed their fate. Their best opportunity for international success was at Euro 2004, where they reached the semi-finals. For the veterans, that chance will not come again.

NEW GENERATION

Without them, the team will lose much of its quality, but some older players said the new generation could still produce.

"The youngsters showed they know how to play football and they have a great future," said Pavel Nedved, the 33-year-old midfielder whose likely imminent retirement will be the worst loss to the side.

The former European Footballer of the Year, who despite his age was the team's best player and faster than much younger players, had already retired from the national side but came back to help the team qualify for the World Cup.

Although he has said he was undecided about his future, he has hinted his footballing days could be over altogether. Likewise, fellow midfielder Karel Poborsky, 34, who first made his name along with Nedved as part of the team that reached the Euro 96 final, may soon be thinking about retirement.

But coach Karel Brueckner, instrumental in creating a cohesive team, said not all the 30-somethings were finished yet.

"We still have (Jan) Koller," said Brueckner, referring to the 33-year-old striker who picked up an injury in the first group game that ruled him out of the rest of the tournament and damaged his side's prospects.

"There are other players in their 30s definitely not going to end their career and will, I hope, play well again."

Although players like Nedved and Poborsky will be missed, young players are establishing themselves as worthy successors, including goalkeeper Petr Cech -- seen as one of the world's best -- and talented midfielder Tomas Rosicky.

Czechs will hope that these players can build on the veterans' legacy and perhaps even win a trophy.