UEFA EURO 2020 – Croatia vs Czech Republic Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Croatia vs Czech Republic kick off? Friday 18th June, 2021 – 17:00 (UK)
Where is Croatia vs Czech Republic being played? Hampden Park, Glasgow
Where can I get tickets for Croatia vs Czech Republic? Click here for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Croatia vs Czech Republic on in the UK? BBC
Where can I stream Croatia vs Czech Republic in the UK? This match can be streamed live on the BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All matches: Croatia 2 wins, Czech Republic 0 wins, 1 draw
Last meeting: Czech Republic 2-2 Croatia (17/10/16)
THE LOWDOWN
CROATIA
- Croatia did not get off to a good start in Group D after they were beaten 1-0 by England, leaving the 2018 World Cup finalists already under huge pressure heading into their clash with Czech Republic, knowing that failure to win would leave them on the brink of elimination.
- Striker Bruno Petkovic started on the bench against England despite head coach Zlatko Dalic previously talking up his goalscoring abilities ahead of EURO 2020 and it would be no surprise if the 26-year-old was to be named in the starting line-up for this match..
- Central defender Dejan Lovren is set to return from injury in a boost for Dalic, whilst full-back Borja Barisic faces a race against time to recover from a back problem after positive scan results earlier in the week meant that he could return to training sooner than anticipated.
CZECH REPUBLIC
- Despite the hostility of a raucous home crowd in Glasgow, Czech Republic produced a fantastic performance to beat Scotland 0-2 to see them end the first round of fixtures top of Group D and above England on goal difference.
- Forward Patrik Schick was the hero for Jaroslav Silhavy’s side, as the Bayer Leverkusen frontman scored twice, including an incredible second goal that could well end up being the goal of the tournament, after lobbing Scotland keeper David Marshall from just ahead of the halfway line.
- Following such a strong performance both offensively and defensively, it would be a surprise if Silhavy changes the starting XI as he attempts to maintain the winning momentum within his team.
THE TEAM NEWS
CROATIA
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Livakovic; Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida, Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic; Rebic, Vlasic, Perisic; Petkovic
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Barisic (Injured), Lovren (Injured)
CZECH REPUBLIC
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Vaclik; Coufal, Celustka, Kalas, Boril; Kral, Soucek; Masopust, Darida, Jankto; Schick
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- Croatia have conceded the first goal in five of their last seven EURO final tournament matches – Czech Republic to score first
- Czech Republic have drawn just one of their last 20 EURO final tournament matches – Croatia or Czech Republic (Double chance)
- Croatia have kept only one clean sheet in their last nine EURO final tournament matches – Czech Republic to score
- Croatia have conceded more than one goal in just one of their last 12 EURO final tournament matches – Czech Republic to score under 1.5 goals
- Both teams have scored in each of the previous three international matches between Croatia and Czech Republic – Both teams to score
THE PREDICTION
Czech Republic crashed the Scottish party with aplomb in their opening Group D match, sending a message that they are not to be underestimated going forward in this tournament. A well-drilled machine with a goalscorer bang in-form leading the line, the current Group D leaders will firmly believe they can secure a second successive Hampden Park triumph against a team that seemed to lack a huge amount of attacking potency against England. In contrast, Zlatko Dalic’s side are clearly missing the now retired Mario Mandzukic in front of goal and that lack of a genuine poacher could turn out to be their downfall once again. With that in mind, Czech Republic draw no bet looks like the smart play in this one.
Tip: CZECH REPUBLIC DRAW NO BET
For fixtures, results, TV schedule, top scorers and plenty more, visit our tournament home page here!
