Vatreni’s campaign in EURO 2020 did not start as expected. With only two games left, they must bounce back to keep their chance to progress alive in the next match against Czech Republic, which snatched better result in the previous outing. Patrick Schick and Co will be more confident to continue their positive trend. The battle of this two Eastern Europe team will be staged in Hampden Park, Glasgow.
Both teams’ previous games
Vatreni was beaten 0-1 against England in Wembley on matchday 1. Luka Modric and Co were not able to optimise their chances due to The Three Lions’ solid defensive stance. Raheem Sterling bagged the only goal of the game.
Meanwhile, Czech Republic managed to grab a 2-0 win over Scotland in Glasgow. Patrick Schick netted a brace while The Tartan Army failed to capitalise a number of decent chances.
Possible tactic
Zlatko Dalic will stick to 4-3-3 formation with the transition to 4-2-3-1. However, he might opt for different names upfront. Bruno Petkovic should get a nod to feature the targetman. Nikola Vlasic would be occupying the number ten role while Ante Rebic and Josip Brekalo can play wide. Ivan Perisic can come off the bench at the second half, should they be unable to score yet.
Jaroslav Silhavy is likely to employ the same formation, 4-2-3-1. Patrick Schick is still the main frontman with Vladimir Darida operating behind him plus Lukas Masopust and Jakub Jankto on both flanks. Antonin Barak could be brought on at the second half to break the deadlock. In the midfield, West Ham man Tomas Soucek and Alex Kral will be the key figures to keep the balance between defence and offence.
Players to watch
Inter Milan man Marcelo Brozovic is one of the indispensable names in the midfield beside Luka Modric. Some other key men in Croatia are Ivan Perisic and Dinamo Zagreb forward, Bruno Petkovic who has scored six international goals in 16 caps.
In Czech Rep, West Ham key man, Tomas Soucek has been one of the high profile Czech player who had a stellar season with his club with ten goals and one assist. Several other vital figures are his teammate in London side Vladimir Scoufal, the main scorer Patrick Schick, Sevilla goalie Tomas Vaclik and Antonin Barak on the bench.
Croatia vs Czech Rep Prediction
In this clash, both sides will need to secure three points for safety. Vatreni’s objective to win would keep their option to advance still open while Jaroslav Silhavy’s men could seal the top position in the group, should they manage to clinch another stunning win. Nevertheless, a stalemate seems to be more ideal result here.
Betting odds
Zlatko Dalic’s side seems to be considered as the favorite with the odds to win at 6/5. The draw result is at the value of 41/17, whereas Czech Rep is only backed to win at 37/13.
