UEFA EURO 2020 – Scotland vs Czech Republic Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Scotland vs Czech Republic kick off? Monday 14th June, 2021 – 14:00 (UK)
Where is Scotland vs Czech Republic being played? Hampden Park, Glasgow
Where can I get tickets for Scotland vs Czech Republic? Click here for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Scotland vs Czech Republic on in the UK? BBC
Where can I stream Scotland 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: Scotland 4 wins, Czech Republic 4 wins, 1 draw
Last meeting: Scotland 1-0 Czech Republic (14/10/20)
THE LOWDOWN
SCOTLAND
- For the first time since EURO 96, Scotland will compete at a major international tournament after qualifying for EURO 2020 courtesy of a penalty shootout against Serbia in their qualification play-off final.
- Steve Clarke’s side are unbeaten in their last five matches (including friendlies), racking up ten goals in the process and the Tartan Army will be cautiously optimistic going into their opening Group D fixture in Glasgow.
- The Scotland team is littered with Premier League stars such as Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney and Man Utd’s Scott McTominay, however question marks remain as to whether their frontline will deliver the goals required on a major tournament stage.
CZECH REPUBLIC
- Czech Republic reached EURO 2020 having finished second behind Group D rivals England in their qualifying group, although Jaroslav Silhavy’s men recorded a 2-1 victory over the Three Lions in the process, which prove that they do have pedigree leading into the tournament.
- Whilst a number of Czech Republic players come from the highly successful Slavia Praha side of this season just gone, their two most notable names each ply their trade at Premier League outfit West Ham in the form of right-back Vladimir Coufal and midfielder Tomas Soucek.
- Silhavy will have to do without regular starter Lukas Provod at the tournament due to injury, with Alex Kral of Spartak Moscow likely to partner Soucek in the centre of midfield, the latter being afforded license to make his late darting runs in the box that helped see him net ten Premier League goals for West Ham this campaign.
THE TEAM NEWS
SCOTLAND
PREDICTED XI (3-5-2): Marshall; Hendry, Hanley, Tierney; O'Donnell, McTominay, McGregor, McGinn, Robertson; Dykes, Adams
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
CZECH REPUBLIC
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Vaclik; Coufal, Celustka, Kalas, Boril; Soucek, Kral; Masopust, Darida, Jankto; Schick
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE:
THE KEY STATS
- Scotland have kept a clean sheet in three of their last four EURO final tournament matches – Scotland to keep a clean sheet
- Scotland have won each of their last three matches against the Czech Republic – Scotland to win
- Scotland scored the first goal in each of their last four matches against the Czech Republic – Scotland to score first
- Czech Republic have failed to score in three of their last four EURO final tournament matches – Czech Republic to not score
- Czech Republic have kept just one clean sheet in their last nine EURO final tournament matches – Scotland to score
THE PREDICTION
These two sides clashed at Hampden Park only last October in a UEFA Nations League fixture that saw Scotland edge a 1-0 victory in a close encounter. A similarly tight affair is expected this time around as both teams won’t want to suffer defeat this early on in the group stage with a fixture against England at Wembley to come later on in the tournament. Whilst Scotland’s recent scoring record is good, their offensive players with the exception of left wing-back Robertson will have never played in a match of this magnitude before and it would be no surprise to see a nervous edge to Scotland’s game. Despite that, the presence of a partisan albeit restricted Hampden Park crowd will work hugely in the Scots’ favour and can’t fail to give them a boost. However, this Czech Republic team are streetwise and resilient, so won’t be broken down easily. Clear cut chances are expected to be at a premium in this one and under 2.5 goals has to be favoured.
Tip: UNDER 2.5 GOALS
For fixtures, results, TV schedule, top scorers and plenty more, visit our tournament home page here!
