Outisde90’s Anthony Margaretic provides a recap of the Czech Republic’s efforts at Euro 2016.
The Czechs came into the tournament with little expectation and were placed in a very difficult group containing Spain, Croatia and Turkey. Pavel Vrba’s side began their campaign with a daunting assignment against the reigning champions and espite a brave defensive performance, La Furia Roja got a late goal which meant a losing start. Next up, they came from two goals down to rescue a point against a well drilled Croatia side to keep a chance of qualification alive, however, elimination was confirmed after a two goal loss to Turkey on matchday three – which meant a bottom place finish.
Strengths
Up until the final match capitulation, their fighting spirit and determination was the Czech Republic’s strongest asset. In their opening contest against Spain, structural organisation and a willingness to defend for their lives frustrated the likes of Andres Iniesta and only a momentary lapse in concentration cost them a point. Their fight was even more evident in the second match against Croatia. Trailing by two goals and barely threatening, they came back and some how managed to grind out a draw, showing what they are capable of when they are at their best.
Weakness
A lack of cutting edge up front was a major problem for Pavel Vrba. Tomas Necid found it difficult to make an impact whenever he was involved from the start, only showing his best in his brief cameo off the bench against Croatia – where he scored the equalising penalty. The other striker in David Lafata started that match and was virtually anonymous. The struggles of both No.9’s was also down to the restricted route to goal. Winger Ladislav Krejci was meant to provide the spark for this team in attack, but was often isolated when they needed a creative asset.
Key Moment
Buoyed by their late comeback in the second game, it was all perfectly set up for the Czech Republic – win against a pointless, goalless Turkey side and qualification for the next round would be secured. The Czechs came into the match as favourites, but were stunned by an early goal to Burak Yilmaz and from there they faced an uphill battle to take three points. Their fate was sealed after the opposition scored a second on the hour mark which confirmed the Czech Republic’s place at the bottom of Group D, and a premature end to their tournament.
Where to now?
Questions must be asked about who the replacements will be for the likes of Petr Cech, Jaroslav Plasil and Tomas Rosicky – who are coming to the end of their international careers. The focus for the team will now be qualification for the World Cup, which will be a major aim since they missed out in both 2010 and 2014. Germany will be expected to win the 2018 qualification group, with the Czechs likely to battle Northern Ireland and Norway for second place and a playoff birth. Minnows Azerbaijan and San Marino complete Group C, in a pool the Czech Republic will fancy themselves in.
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