Spirited Denmark faces a solid Czech Republic side to decide their faith to the last four in the quarterfinals of the Euro 2020. As Czech Republic and not predecessor Czechoslovakia, the nation has been in this stage thrice compared to only one appearance from Denmark at least the time quarterfinals were introduced in the competition. The victorious side are going to face the winners from the England versus Ukraine clash.
Czech Republic stunned the high-scoring Dutch in the round of 16 with their great defensive act. The scarcity of clear-cut opportunities for Netherlands took a toll on them and they went down to ten. The Czechs turned up gear from then on with Tomas Holes scoring the first from a set-play and then picking up Patrick Schick for the second. Jaroslav Silhavy's side impressed a lot in this competition, reflected by their high pressing, sometimes defensive and composition in the attack. Czech Republic have shown their strength in giving big sides all trouble as they only lost to England in the group stage by a solitary goal and had chances to level things up. They face a Denmark side demonstrating a similar style of play.
The Danish's extraordinary tale of might and emotional football has taken everyone out of their seats. In a perfect love showering to teammate Christian Eriksen who almost live on the pitch, Denmark thrashed Wales 4-0 in an outstanding performance in Amsterdam. Kasper Dolberg started in place of the injured Poulsen and gave a new dimension to their attack with two important strikes, the first being an excellent swivel past Wales keeper Danny Ward. Joakim Maehle was also influential from the wingback position in getting a goal before Braithwaite put the tie to the bed. Coach Hjulmand is adamant to have his side produce the same drive in this fixture.
Czech Republic vs Denmark Match Details :
When: Saturday, July 3rd
Timings: 21:30 (IST)/ 18:00 (CET)
Where: Baku Olimpiya Stadion, Baku, Azerbaijan
Recent Form (Euro 2020)
Czech Republic: WDLW
Denmark: LLWW
Injuries & Suspensions
Czech Republic have Jan Boril back in the side following his suspension in the round of 16 games against Netherlands although the 30-year-old faces competition with Pavel Kaderabak for the starting spot. Silhavy may go for an experienced player but sticking to the starting eleven from Sunday is recommended. Antonin Barak and Petr Sevcik are set to retain their starting place after impressing versus the Dutch so Darida and Jankto once again are to begin from the bench.
Coach Hjulmand has no injury concerns just like the Czechs but some big decisions are to make. No greater than the striker position with Kasper Dolberg likely to claim the starting spot despite Yussuf Poulsen returning fit from his injury. Daniel Wass can also feature in his injury comeback instead of Stryger Larssen although he performed adequately well. Simon Kjaer has shaken off his fitness issues after getting substituted in the previous match and is set to start in the three-man backline with Andreas Christensen and Jannick Vestergaard.
Czech Republic vs Denmark Predicted Lineups :
Czech Republic: Tomas Vaclik; Vladimir Coufal, Ondrej Celustka, Tomas Kalas, Pavel Kaderabak, Tomas Holes, Tomas Soucek, Lukas Masopust, Antonin Barak, Petr Sevcik, Patrick Schick
Denmark: Kasper Schmeichel, Andreas Christensen, Simon Kjaer, Jannick Vestergaard, Daniel Wass, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Thomas Delaney, Joakim Maehle, Martin Braithwaite, Kasper Dolberg, Mikkel Damsgaard
Czech Republic vs Denmark Head to Head :
Czech Republic has faced Denmark a total of 11 times with the Dane just edging the Czechs with three wins to two. Six of those have been played without any winners at the end. Five of the last six meetings have ended on level terms. Although, the Czech Republic famously beat Denmark by 3-0 last time these two sides competed in the quarterfinals of the Euros in 2004.
CZE vs DEN Dream11 Team Prediction :
GK: Tomas Vaclik (Cze)
DEF: Daniel Wass (Den), Andreas Christensen (Den), Tomas Kalas (Cze), Joakim Maehle (Den)
MID: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (Den), Tomas Holes (Cze), Tomas Soucek (Cze), Mikel Damsgaaard (Den)
FW: Kasper Dolberg (Den), Patrick Schick (Cze)
Tomas Vaclik excellently denied Donny Malen in the last 16 clashes to pave the way for the Czechs to be victorious in the end. He has performed a similar task in the group stages too making him one of the standout goalkeepers in the competition so far. Vaclik has also kept 2 clean sheets. Joakim Maehle gave Wales all sorts of troubles from the left flank and his combination play with Damsgaard was eye-catching. The Atalanta man got his goal switching to the right and will play a key part in this clash. Hojbjerg continues to be a reliable player in the Danish dressing room while Tomas Holes's impact is similar. Patrick Schick is in the race to pick up the golden boot with his fourth strike in the tournament and Kasper Dolberg's brace puts an additional strength to the frontline.
Match Prediction: Czech Republic 1-3 Denmark
Denmark's scintillating mindset of playing football with the human factor involved makes them an unbeatable team. Czech has been defensively robust but the energy, pace and drive that the Danish have in the locker give them the upper hand in the tie. But both team's journey so far in the competition has been inspirational.
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