Croatia 1-1 Czech Republic
Czech Republic didn’t exactly get the result that they wanted but they still got the job done as they’ve earned a point in their 1-1 draw against Croatia.
The Czechs came in here as one of the streaking teams here in Euro 2020 and a win could’ve put them on top of Group D if only they didn’t falter after drawing first blood.
Patrik Schick has been a regular fixture in the Euro 2020 news and he seemingly gave his country the game and the three points when he scored just before the halftime break.
But come the second half, Ivan Perisic found his shooting boots and he plundered one home for the Croatians to which the Czechs never recovered.
Croatia almost stole the game with their chances late but they couldn’t convert and things have gotten complicated in Group D.
With this result along with England’s draw versus Scotland, the qualification from Group D remains wide open.
Despite the stalemate, Czech Republic stayed on top of the group and they are level with England with four points apiece. Meanwhile, Scotland and Croatia are still within striking distance with one point each.
Re-live last night’s fixture as SBOTOP gives you the recap of this game.
Highlights of the game
The Czechs started the game on a good note as they gave the Croatian defence some problems with their chances early on.
Jaroslav Silhavy’s side got their first chance four minutes in when Jakub Jankto floated the ball from the corner but Vladimir Coufal’s header went over the crossbar. Tomas Soucek had a similar attempt but to no avail.
In the 18th minute, Czech Republic almost scored the first goal of the evening. Vladimir Coufal was able to cut the ball back for Patrik Schick, but the young forward’s attempt was saved by Dominik Livakovic.
The Croats almost stole a goal during the 21st minute when Tomas Vaclik wasn’t quick enough to gather the loose ball near the penalty area. Ante Rebic tried to score off of a deflection from the Czech goalkeeper’s clearance but the ball flew over to the touchline.
Zlatko Dalic’s men started to turn things around as they had more opportunities midway into the first half, but they were dealt with a controversial penalty decision when Dejan Lovren inadvertently left Patrik Schick’s nose bloodied when the two collided during a corner kick.
Schick, with blood still coming out from his nose, struck the penalty home for his third goal of the competition to give his country a 1-0 lead in the 37th minute.
Ante Rebic almost hit back with a reply as he blazed past multiple Czech defenders late into the first half, but his shot didn’t hit the target.
The Croatians performed much better in the second half and it culminated to a goal from Ivan Perisic in the 47th minute after a lovely dime from Andrej Kramaric in the midfield.
Jaroslav Silhavy’s men should’ve gotten the lead in the 72nd minute after a beautiful sequence. Josko Gvaridol sent in a cross from the left flank and Ivan Perisic teed up Nikola Vlasic, who unfortunately missed his shot too wide.
Key statistics
Croatia have failed to win in both of their first two games of a major international tournament for the first time since the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Croatia and Czech Republic have drawn three of their last four international meetings. The 2018 World Cup finalists have now won just twice in their last 11 international matches overall.
Patrik Schick still has the hot hand for Czech Republic as he became the first player to score each of his nation’s first three goals in an Euro campaign since Mario Gomez for Germany in 2012.
Czech Republic boss Jaroslav Silhavy even went on record saying that the Euro 2020 odds might consider backing Patrik Schick as the tournament’s top Golden Boot contender given his torrid form recently.
The Bayer Leverkusen forward has netted nine goals in his last 12 international appearances for Czech Republic and he is now on top of the Euro 2020 scoring charts.
What’s next?
The fight for the knockout qualification spots in Group D is about to go down to the wire.
On Tuesday night, Croatia will take on Scotland at Hampden while Czech Republic are to lock horns with England at the Wembley Stadium.
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