Tag: Czech Republic

Categories
football Slides Sports News

DENMARK FAIRY TALE CONTINUES AFTER WIN OVER CZECH TO BOOK PLACE IN EURO SEMIS

Denmark beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in Baku to book their place in the semi-final of Euro 2020.

Thomas Delaney headed Denmark into an early lead and Kasper Dolberg also struck shortly before half-time.

Czech frontman Patrik Schick reduced the deficit with his fifth goal of the tournament in the 49th minute, but it was Denmark who progressed to secure a semi-final spot at Wembley on July 7th.

Kasper Hjulmand’s squad have grown in stature during the tournament, after their horrific start when Christian Eriksen collapsed with a cardiac arrest in their opening defeat to Finland in Copenhagen.

Denmark got off to the fast start as Borussia Dortmund midfielder Delaney took full advantage of some slack marking to headed home from a corner after just five minutes.

The Czechs had progressed from England’s group as one of the best third-placed teams and then pulled off a shock victory against 10-man Holland in the last 16.

But Jaroslav Silhavy’s men were unsettled by going behind so early and Mikkel Damsgaard almost celebrated his 21st birthday with a goal when breaking into the penalty area and taking the ball around the goalkeeper, but his effort was cleared off the line.

The Czechs finally threatened at the other end when Petr Sevcik’s shot flew over before Delaney almost added a second after another Denmark break down the right saw his scuffed shot drop wide.

Lukas Masopust found space on the edge of the Denmark box to thread a ball through to Tomas Holes, but goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was out quickly to smother his angled shot.

As the half-hour approached, the Czechs were slowly growing into the match.

A deep free-kick from Sevcik dropped just out of reach of defender Ondrej Celustka’s head as he ghosted in at the far post before a volley from Holes flew straight at Schmeichel.

Denmark, however, doubled their lead shortly before half-time.

Joakim Maehle darted down the left and clipped over a brilliant cross through the penalty area, which was just too far in front of Martin Braithwaite but perfect for Dolberg to score from close range.

Silhavy made two changes for the second half, with Michael Krmencik and Jakub Jankto replacing Holes and Masopust, to inject fresh lift into the team.

Schmeichel parried away a 25-yard effort from Krmencik and then saved Antonin Barak’s effort.

The Czechs’ pressure told, tough, as Schick pulled a goal back in the 49th minute, converting a cross from Vladimir Coufal to take his tournament tally to five.

Denmark coach Hjulmand also opted for a double substitution on the hour, with Dolberg replaced by Yussuf Poulsen and Brentford’s Christian Norgaard coming on for Mikkel Damsgaard.

There was another hold-up in play when West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek needed treatment for a head wound above his ear after accidentally being caught by Poulsen’s boot.

Poulsen’s low, 25-yard shot following a break was saved by Tomas Vaclik, who then beat away a rising drive from the Denmark substitute before sticking out a boot to deny Maehle at the near post.

Denmark saw out six minutes of added time to book their place in the semi-finals.

Categories
football Slides Sports News

EURO 2020: CZECH REPUBLIC SENDS 10-MAN NETHERLANDS PACKING WITH SHOCKING VICTORY

Tomas Holes and Patrik Schick struck in the second half as the Czech Republic stunned 10-man Holland in their Euro 2020 last-16 clash.

The Dutch completely lost their way in front of a capacity crowd in Budapest after Matthijs de Ligt was sent off for handball on 55 minutes.

Holes gave the Czechs the initiative with a powerful header on 68 minutes and Schick wrapped up victory with his fourth goal of the tournament 10 minutes from time.

The Czechs, who only qualified from England’s Group D in third place, will now face Denmark for a place in the semi-finals.

The Netherlands, who had gone into the game strong favourites after winning their group with a 100 per cent record, had the better of the early play.

They had the first serious chance when Daley Blind clipped a free-kick over goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik to pick out De Ligt but the defender headed across goal instead of at it. The ball fell to Denzel Dumfries but he blasted well wide.

Dumfries had another opportunity when he raced onto a long ball behind the Czech defence but his angle was tight and Tomas Kalas cleared.

The Czech Republic began to threaten and Petr Sevcik whipped in a dangerous cross from the right but Tomas Soucek could not make firm contact with his header.

Another good move by the Czechs saw Lukas Masopust play in Antonin Barak but he scooped his shot over the bar.

Holland went close when Patrick van Aanholt scuffed a shot and they should have taken the lead early in the second period when Memphis Depay put Donyell Malen in on goal with a clever flick.

Malen charged into the area with only Vaclik to beat but the keeper dived at his feet to deny him.

It proved a pivotal moment as the game turned less than a minute later with the dismissal of De Ligt.

De Ligt lost his footing as he chased back and scooped the ball away with his hand as Schick threatened. Russian referee Sergei Karasev initially showed Le Ligt a yellow card but upgraded that to red following a review by VAR.

The Czechs took full advantage of their numerical superiority to take control of the game.

De Ligt lost his footing as he chased back and scooped the ball away with his hand as Schick threatened. Russian referee Sergei Karasev initially showed Le Ligt a yellow card but upgraded that to red following a review by VAR.

The Czechs took full advantage of their numerical superiority to take control of the game.

Categories
football Slides Sports News

Ten-man Holland shocked at Euro 2020

Tomas Holes and Patrik Schick struck in the second half as the Czech Republic stunned 10-man Holland in their Euro 2020 last-16 clash.

The Dutch completely lost their way in front of a capacity crowd in Budapest after Matthijs de Ligt was sent off for handball on 55 minutes.

Holes gave the Czechs the initiative with a powerful header on 68 minutes and Schick wrapped up victory with his fourth goal of the tournament 10 minutes from time.

The Czechs, who only qualified from England’s Group D in third place, will now face Denmark for a place in the semi-finals.

Holland, who had gone into the game strong favourites after winning their group with a 100 per cent record, had the better of the early play.

They had the first serious chance when Daley Blind clipped a free-kick over goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik to pick out De Ligt but the defender headed across goal instead of at it. The ball fell to Denzel Dumfries but he blasted well wide.

Dumfries had another opportunity when he raced onto a long ball behind the Czech defence but his angle was tight and Tomas Kalas cleared.

The Czech Republic began to threaten and Petr Sevcik whipped in a dangerous cross from the right but Tomas Soucek could not make firm contact with his header.

Another good move by the Czechs saw Lukas Masopust play in Antonin Barak but he scooped his shot over the bar.

Holland went close when Patrick van Aanholt scuffed a shot and they should have taken the lead early in the second period when Memphis Depay put Donyell Malen in on goal with a clever flick.

Malen charged into the area with only Vaclik to beat but the keeper dived at his feet to deny him.

It proved a pivotal moment as the game turned less than a minute later with the dismissal of De Ligt.

De Ligt lost his footing as he chased back and scooped the ball away with his hand as Schick threatened. Russian referee Sergei Karasev initially showed Le Ligt a yellow card but upgraded that to red following a review by VAR.

The Czechs took full advantage of their numerical superiority to take control of the game.

They wanted a penalty for potential handball against Dumfries but nothing was given following a VAR check and Pavel Kaderabek was then denied by a superb block from Dumfries.

The pressure continued and the Czechs eventually broke through on 68 minutes as Holes powered home a header from close range after Kalas headed back across goal following a corner.

They doubled their lead 10 minutes from time with a fine second goal. A long ball from Vaclik was headed into the path of Holes and he took a touch to charge into the area. He then looked up and pulled the ball back for the inrushing Schick to sidefoot home.

There was no way back for the Dutch.

Categories
football Sports News

EURO 2020: ENGLAND TOP GROUP D AS STERLING GOAL SEES OFF CZECH REPUBLIC

England progressed to the European Championship knockout phase as group winners thanks to Raheem Sterling’s early header in a 1-0 victory against the Czech Republic.

Having kicked off Group D by beating World Cup semi-final foes Croatia and then been booed off following the goalless draw with rivals Scotland, Gareth Southgate’s already-qualified side put in a controlled display on Tuesday.

Sterling headed home fan favourite Jack Grealish’s cross to seal a narrow win against the Czechs at Wembley, where England will return next Tuesday for a last-16 tie against France, Germany, Portugal or Hungary.

Facing the runners-up in the so-called group of death looks a tough ask but there is a lot to be said for home comforts – plus facing underdogs at the Euros does not always go well, such as Iceland five years ago.

There remains plenty for Southgate’s men to improve on after Tuesday’s hard-fought victory, but England reacted well to a disrupted build-up that saw Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell forced into isolation.

The fallout to their interaction with Scotland’s Billy Gilmour, who tested positive for Covid-19, will rumble on, but Mount’s replacement Grealish impressed – as did fellow tournament full debutant Bukayo Saka.

The fearless pair were involved in the winning goal under the arch, where Sterling bounced back from hitting a post in the opening stages to head home Grealish’s 12th-minute cross.

There were some nervy moments when the Czechs settled and Harry Kane’s wait for his first Euros goal continues, but England professionally saw out a forgettable second half to wrap up qualification without conceding.

England’s final Group D match started like the previous two as a Manchester City player hit the woodwork.

Sterling was sent scampering behind the Czech backline by a smart Luke Shaw pass, getting to the ball before Tomas Vaclik and leaving the goalkeeper watching helplessly as the shot bounced back off the far post.

John Stones and Kane had efforts during a bright opening that brought about a 12th-minute opener and vindication for those calling for Grealish’s inclusion.

Livewire Saka started the move in his own half that led to him sending over a cross, with the Aston Villa playmaker eventually jinking into space to send a perfect clipped ball to the far post for Sterling to head home.

“It’s coming home” echoed around Wembley, where a firm stop by Vaclik denied Kane having been found superbly by Harry Maguire on his return to action from six weeks out with an ankle complaint.

But just like the other group games, England dropped off midway through the opening period and Jordan Pickford did well to stop Tomas Holes’ impressive 30-yard drive nestling in the top left-hand corner.

The Czechs were making life uncomfortable and impressive West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek went agonisingly close when swinging a strike just wide.

England eventually settled as Grealish and Saka continued to prove exciting outlets, with Shaw seeing a cross deflect into the side-netting and Kane seeing a fizzing strike saved before offside was called.

Jordan Henderson replaced Declan Rice at the break, with the experienced vice-captain helping England stay in control without exerting themselves too much.

Attacks at either end were stopped by smart defending or poor final decisions, with Southgate turning to substitutes Marcus Rashford and Jude Bellingham in a bid to change the dynamics of the second half.
The decision to take off Grealish was met by a smattering of jeers during a period when Maguire saw penalty claims ignored.

Tyrone Mings and Jadon Sancho came on in front of a flat Wembley crowd, with Tomas Pekhart striking just wide from the edge of the box following a hashed Pickford clearance.

Substitute Henderson thought he had scored his first international goal late on, only for the offside flag to deny him towards the end of an underwhelming match that keeps hopes of an exciting summer alive.

Categories
football Slides Sports News

PATRIK SCHICK HALF WAY STUNNER SUNK SCOTLAND EURO OPENER

Scotland opened their first major tournament match in 23 years with a 2-0 defeat to Czech Republic at Euro 2020, with Patrik Schick scoring twice — including a goal of the tournament contender.

Bayer Leverkusen striker Schick’s header on 42 minutes put the Czechs in front at Hampden Park, before he scored an outrageous second from all of 54 yards out. It meant a disappointing return to tournament football for Scotland, who must now regroup for their showdown with England in Group D on Friday.

Scotland’s Stuart Armstrong told the BBC: “We’re disappointed with the way the first goal went in, apart from that we defended pretty well, and they showed real quality for the second goal. Not to say we didn’t have chances second half, we did, and tried to push. They were clinical. At this level you do need to be clinical.”

Scotland suffered a major blow ahead of the match, with Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney missing out through injury, while Czech head coach Jaroslav Silhavy named an unchanged XI from the side that beat Albania 3-1 in their final pre-tournament friendly.

A vociferous crowd of 12,000 urged Steve Clarke’s Scotland on as they returned to top level international football for the first time since their appearance at the 1998 World Cup — an absence of five European Championships and five World Cups. And Clarke’s men began brightly, with Liverpool’s Andy Robertson looking lively down the left and John McGinn having an effort blocked inside the area, but it was Czech Republic who had the match’s first big chance as Schick brought a good save out of David Marshall down to his right.

The attempt sparked a Scotland response, with Robertson’s cross from the left diverted wide by Lyndon Dykes, who was unable to add to his two goals in 11 appearances for his country. The attacks kept coming, with Robertson — comfortably his side’s best player in the first half — fizzing a powerful effort towards goal, but it was well tipped over by Tomas Vaclik in the Czech goal.

Scotland were the better side but they fell behind just before half time when they failed to clear a succession of corners, and Vladimir Coufal’s cross was met superbly by Schick, who nodded past Marshall to put his side in front.

The setback was a cruel blow to Clarke’s men just before the break but not unexpected, with Czech Republic scoring over half their goals in Euro 2020 qualifying from set plays. But following a sustained spell of pressure, Scotland could not keep the Czechs at bay as Schick nodded in.

Clarke brought on Che Adams for Ryan Christie for the second half and Scotland started brightly, with Jack Hendry seeing his effort cannon agonisingly off the bar. Vaclik then had to be alert and claw Tomas Kalas’ effort to safety when it looked certain he’d score an own goal.

But Schick’s remarkable second on 53 minutes settled the game in some style. Running on to the ball just near the half-way line, Schick sent a stunning, looping strike goalwards and it beat a shocked Marshall to make the game safe. At a distance of 54 yards, the Leverkusen striker’s effort stunned Hampden Park and ensured a place in history as the longest-range strike at a men’s European Championship or World Cup. It made it the joint-longest range effort across the men’s and women’s game, with Carli Lloyd also scoring from 54 yards in United States’ World Cup win over Japan in 2015.

On his wonder strike, Schick told the BBC: “I saw him [off his line], I checked in the first half when this situation would come. I was checking where he was standing.

“It’s always hard to play against us, we have a lot of hardworking players.

“Scotland were a tough opponent. But we were ready for their tactics.”

Vaclik was then at his best to deny Scotland a route back into the game, sticking a leg out to deny Dykes’ effort inside the area, and Czech Republic negotiated the final moments to open with three important points.

Silhavy said Schick’s goal was the kind of effort the player has attempted before in matches and training.

“We know he is a genius and he knows how to finish,” Silhavy said. “The second goal was something out of this world. He likes to try that in training and he tried it in one of our previous games as well.”

Clarke refused to blame his goalkeeper for conceding the goal.

“If [Marshall] had been on his line he would have caught it but sometimes you have to credit the goalscorer,” Clarke told an online news conference after the clash at Hampden Park.

“He produced a marvellous finish and from there it becomes a difficult afternoon. We showed good invention and had chances to get back into the game but the breaks went against us at the wrong time.

“Disappointed but we have to get ready for the next one. We’ll look at what we did right and what we did wrong. We didn’t come here for a learning experience, we came here to be competitive.

“Sometimes a football match doesn’t go your way and today was that day.”

Scotland next face England at Wembley on Friday, while Czech Republic take on Croatia at Hampden Park earlier on the same day.

Categories
football Slides Sports News

Romelu Lukaku to rescue as Belgium salvages draw vs Czech Republic

Lukaku, Belgium’s all-time leading scorer, took his tally to 59 goals in 91 international matches after Kevin De Bruyne’s brilliant assist.

Romelu Lukaku extended his impressive scoring record with Belgium to salvage a 1-1 draw against Czech Republic in their World Cup qualifier on Saturday as FIFA’s top-ranked team was lucky to escape with a point.

Facing an inspired Czech team which hit the woodwork twice, Belgium struggled defensively and conceded early in the second half. Lukaku, Belgium’s all-time leading scorer, then took his tally to 59 goals in 91 international matches after Kevin De Bruyne’s brilliant assist.

Both Belgium and Czech Republic had won their opening games in Group E.

Playing without Borussia Dortmund’s Thomas Meunier and Thorgan Hazard — who were not authorized to make the trip to Prague because of German quarantine rules — Belgium dominated possession in an entertaining first half but the hosts had the better chances.

The Czechs missed four Bundesliga players because of the virus restrictions in Germany, including their first-choice goalkeeper, but it did not show.

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced into a first save in the 14th minute and forward Michael Krmencík came close a few minutes later as he cut inside past Jason Denayer and drove a precise left-footed shot only to find the woodwork. The visitors responded with a fine effort from Leander Dendoncker which was denied by Tomas Vaclík with a one-handed save.

The hosts deservedly took the lead in the 50th minute when Lukas Provod was given too much space near the area — with Dendoncker and Denayer both too slow to move forward — and he unleashed a long-range strike into the far corner.

Belgium was handed another blow soon after when Dries Mertens left the field injured. But the visitors came back into the game following an inspired contribution from De Bruyne. Close to the halfway line, the Manchester City playmaker sent a long ball between two Czech players to find Lukaku near the box. The Inter striker evaded his marker and found the net with a left-footed shot between Vaclik’s legs.

De Bruyne then missed the chance to give Belgium the lead when he hit the right post. The hosts continued to push until the very end and had two big chances before the final whistle — first with an effort from Jan Boril that finished on the crossbar and then a goal-bound header from Tomas Soucek which was thwarted by defender Toby Alderweireld.

Earlier, Belarus twice came from behind to kick off its World Cup qualification campaign with a 4-2 win over 10-man Estonia, which slumped to a second consecutive loss following a 6-2 rout at the hands of the Czechs midweek.