The Czech Republic hopes for their European saga at the expense of Denmark this weekend when they want to book a place in the semi-finals of Euro 2020.
Few gave Jaroslav Silhavy’s team much chance to go beyond the group stage, but they have not looked back since Patrik Schick’s fantastic winner against Scotland. Four points from a tricky group preceded a historic victory against the Netherlands, and now the Czechs want to prove that they are a force to be reckoned with in Europe.
Here is the team Silhavy will likely play when they are looking for a first semifinal spot since 2004.
Vaclik claims a cross against Dutch / BSR Agency / Getty Images
Tomas Vaclik (GK) – The experienced goalkeeper is without a club after leaving Sevilla, but he remains the country’s top and has not done any damage to his prospects for a big move at Euro 2020 so far.
Vladimir Coufal (RB) – The West Ham defender is missing another minute in the competition and will probably not come unless injury or suspension hits.
Ondrej Celustka (CB) – The 32-year-old has established himself as a guaranteed start for his country and his experience at the back is invaluable, especially in the absence of the suspended Ondrej Kudela.
Tomas Kalas (CB) – Relatively inexperienced on the cap front despite being 28 years old, but the Bristol City defender has proved his worth to his country in the Euro.
Jan Boril (LB) – The Netherlands missed the game with suspension, but Slavia Prague’s captain had started the last ten Czech games he had been available for and he probably seems to return to the side.
Silhavy has words with Tomas Soucek / ANP Sport / Getty Images
Tomas Holes (CM) – If you can ignore the fact that he is a central midfielder wearing No. 9 (I can not), then Holes is a very good player for his country. He is a relative newcomer to the stage but has played a major role in their last three matches.
Tomas Soucek (CM) – The vice captain is as reliable as they come and is one of the first names on the team sheet.
Antonin Barak (AM) – With six goals in 22 international appearances for his country, Barak has impressed when called upon to leave his country. Made his first start of the tournament against the Netherlands and probably seems to have kept his place – but can miss if Vladimir Darida is back to 100%.
?? Patrik Schick for the Czech Republic:
⚽️1⃣5⃣? 3⃣0⃣ # EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/wCmeJV49zQ
– UEFA EURO 2020 (@ EURO2020) 27 June 2021
Lukas Masopust (RW) – Has been the right wingers of the Czechs for a while now and it seems unlikely that it will change here.
Patrik Schick (CF) – Currently the man since the bold strike against Scotland. Schick has four on four in the tournament and is in battle for the golden boot.
Petr Sevcik (LW) – The battle for places is hot in the forward line and Sevcik can easily miss the more appreciated Jakub Jankto. But Silhavy may choose to keep the confidence in what worked against the Dutch, and what worked was that Sevcik drove in the ground up and down the left flank.
