Who would have thought that we would all set Croatia up against the Czech Republic to see Patrik Schick?
Sure, it’s going to be great to see Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric donating his stuff, but it’s the guy who scored near the halfway line that we’re really interested in!
Schick’s fantastic display at Hampden Park in his side’s opening game of the tournament against Scotland has given us the highlight of the tournament so far – or at least David Marshall bounced off the net like a ragdoll has – and his side are in action again on Friday when they face Croatia.
Zlatko Dalic’s side did very little to suggest that they bother England in their first match in Euro 2020, and the 1-0 defeat means that their match against the Czech Republic is more important than ever.
Here is a 90 min preview of the upcoming conflict …
Hampden Park hosts Friday’s game / AFP / Getty Images
When is kick off? Friday 18 June, 17:00 (BST)Where is the match played? Hampden Park, GlasgowWhich TV channel is it on? BBC One (UK), fuboTV (USA)Who is the judge? Carlos del Cerro GrandeWho has VAR service? Juan Martínez Munuera
Croatia is ready for its battle with England / Chloe Knott – Danehouse / Getty Images
Modric is expected to be fit for the match despite training alone earlier this week, while Croatia’s blunt attacking display against England could see head coach Dalic adjust his system slightly as he looks for a more offensive performance.
Former Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren missed the match at Wembley on Sunday but he is in shape and available for selection once again, although the game is likely to come too soon to see Borna Barisic return.
Not only did Czech boss Jaroslav Silhavy have three points to celebrate from his team’s match against Scotland on Monday, he also received the added bonus that his team escaped virtually unscathed from the clash.
Schick’s incredible stay means that he is probably the first name on the team magazine for Friday’s return to Hampden Park, even though there is another man who will once again compete for a longer time …
Adam Hlozek / MICHAL CIZEK / Getty Images
Adam Hlozek is unlikely to get a start against Croatia, although he proved in his 20-minute como against Scotland that he has a lot to offer this Czech side. Frontman is already courted by some big clubs and gets the chance to show off his wonderful talent at Euro 2020, his list of potential suitors is like getting even longer.
Croatia: Livakovic; Vrsaljko, Vida, Caleta-Car, Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic; Brekalo, Vlasic, Perisic; Petkovic
Czech Republic: Vaclik; Coufal, Kalas, Celustka, Boril; Soucek, Kral; Masopust, Darida, Jankto; Send
These two sides have only met on three previous occasions, with Croatia undefeated against the Czechs on their way to Friday’s meeting.
Croatia have one win and two draws from their three previous meetings, with their most recent clash at the European Championships in 2016 when a late Tomas Necid penalty saved the Czech Republic 2-2 in Group D.
Luka Modric hopes to have more impact on Friday than he did at Wembley / Pixsell / MB Media / Getty Images
Both of these sides are pretty well matched, but you have to think that Croatia can not be as toothless at the top as they were against England, and in the same way Schick can not be as incredible as he was against Scotland.
Even after losing their first game in Euro 2020, you want Croatia to qualify from Group D, and if they are to advance to the knockout rounds, they want to put themselves in a strong position on their way into the final round of group play.
It will probably be close, but we want Croatia to almost edge it.
Prediction: Croatia 2-1 Czech Republic
