UEFA Euro 2020: Czech Republic vs Denmark Preview
Denmark have risen from what looked like a certain elimination in the group stages, coupled with the despair and the heartbreak of watching a team mate suffer one of the most horrendous moments that one can imagine to booking a place in the quarter-finals in spectacular fashion, with utmost optimism of reaching the semi-finals and perhaps, the final, to crown what would be one of the biggest fairy tales in football history.
Having already qualified from the second round despite being less favorites to progress, Czech Republic will be hoping that they can produce the kind of performance that has seen them knock out European heavyweights, Holland without conceding a goal. They go into this finely poised affair knowing that they have the spirit and the right tools to secure a place in the semi-finals for the first time since Milan Baros, Pavel Nedved, Tomas Rosicky, Karel Porbosky and Jan Koller led the team to within a touching distance of glory in 2004.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Style of Play
Jaroslav Silhavy tweaked his tactics a bit for the game against the Netherlands in the last game, the Czech Republic manager opted to go with a 4-1-4-1 formation instead of the 4-2-3-1 that he had relied on since the tournament began. The system allowed the coach to deploy star midfielder, Tomas Soucek in the box-to-box midfield role that he’s comfortable playing in rather than as part of the defensive double pivot. There was also a first start for Antonin Barak whose work-rate and industry proved vital.
The Czechs maintained their compactness, aggressiveness and tenacity as they ran the Dutch side to the ground and claimed the victory. It is possible that Silhavy might want to maintain a similar system against a Danish side that has several talented options in their side.
Recent form
The Czechs will be buzzing from their recent victory against Holland and will want to carry the form into the game against the Danes. Other than that, they’ve been fairly average since the tournament began, registering just one win in the three games before they faced the Oranje.
Player To Watch
With four goals scored in the last four games, Patrik Schick remains the player to keep an eye on, he carries the biggest threat for this Czech side and has already shown that he can be a handful for opposing defenders. Silhavy will be counting on him to score the goals that will lead the team to victory.
Injury Update: Jaroslav Silhavy should have a full squad to choose from baring any unforeseen events.
DENMARK
Style of Play
Kasper Hjulmand has stuck with the 3-4-2-1 formation that has served him well since their third game of the tournament against Russia. Kasper Dolberg filled in for the injured Yussuf Poulsen against Wales in the same system and the difference was barely noticeable. The Danes often rely on the creativity of the two men behind the forward – who sometimes, act as wide forwards – and the control that Thomas Delaney and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
In Jens Stryger Larsen and Joakim Maehle, the Danish team have the ability to stretch opponents whilst maintaining a narrow threat with Mikkel Damsgaard and Martin Braithwaite. The team is almost ultra attacking and the entire philosophy is based on moving the ball swiftly from defence to attack with quality movements and high pressing.
Recent form
The Danes have recovered from losing their first two games of the tournament to winning their last two in commanding fashion. They are currently in a rich vein of goal scoring form having scored eight in their last two games. They haven’t done badly in defence either, as their back three of Andreas Christensen, Simon Kjaer and Jannik Vestergaard have conceded just one in the last two and four in the entire tournament (4 games).
Player To Watch
It’s hard to pick a key man from the Denmark team but Czech Republic will need to key a close eye on Joakim Maehle if they plan on getting a favorable result from this tie. The left wing back is always a constant threat and has scored two goals already in the competition.
Injury Update: Christian Eriksen continues to be ruled out since suffering a cardiac arrest in the first game. Yussuf Poulsen’s involvement in the game is still a major doubt.
Prediction
It’s hard to call this one. Two teams with very contrasting styles. However, I believe that the Danes might have too much for Czech Republic and should run out as eventual winners. 3-1 final score.
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