Euro: Group D: Croatia vs. Czech Republic, 6/18/2021

[Live in the Now]

The Czechs had the good result in the first game, the Croatians did not. Now the Croatians travel to Scotland to play in front of what I expect will be hardly anyone. These teams also played in 2016 so it isn't uncommon to see them have a match at a big tournament. It seems Brozovic may not start here and could be replaced by Vlasic. This is also obviously not going to be a repeat of 2016 for the Czechs as they already have two more points than they did back then.

I didn't watch either team's first game so I don't have much comment here.

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[Antiillafire]

2-1 for Czechs. Late goal wins it. This Czech team is good and should not be underestimated.

 

[HajdukSplit]

Lovren will be fit for this match, no news on Barisic, as opening post mentioned Brozovic likely to be benched. Lots of pressure on Dalic who has been hostile towards the media yesterday, promised a more attacking display but the reality is this team has struggled to create chances even against weaker teams. Only positive is Croatia generally have success against the Czechs, even though the match at 2016 was a draw Cro dominated and the game changed when the fans threw the flares on the pitch

 

[Duchene2MacKinnon]

Croatia wins this one

 

[Czechboy]

I'd guess this is Croatia's to lose. I think the Czechs are up for the task. I think it'll be a 1 goal game. A tie would be great to be honest. I've seen a bunch of the qualifying games and this team is a bit leaky on chances against. Scotland was a bit unlucky and I didn't think 2-0 reflected the game.

 

[Adele Dazeem]

Czech will come out with swagger, Croatia with desperation.

 

[HajdukSplit]

Czechs will have their chances on counter and set pieces. I can already see Croatia coming out aggressive first 15-20 minutes and if Czechs hold on their chances improve of course because Croatia will get more desperate and open up an already poor defense

 

[mfilipo3]

Croatia needs Kramaric to play like he does for Hoffenheim. What will their midfield look like without Brozo at the base?

 

[N o o d l e s]

I’m going with draw. I had CZR coming out second in the group so let’s roll with it

 

[HajdukSplit]

Croatia needs Kramaric to play like he does for Hoffenheim. What will their midfield look like without Brozo at the base?

Trio of Kovacic-Modric-Vlasic, Kramaric is often playing out of position for Croatia, against England they put him out wide ffs

 

[maclean]

I would say Croatia is the better team, but they don't look to be quite on form right now, so it may come down largely to luck. I'm actually going to be able to watch this one at a pub so I hope we don't get blown out and I'd prefer it wasn't a 0-0 draw either.

 

[Islay1989]

Pat Niven with the dumbest take of the Euro's so far, according to him Modric is old and slow, and he'd rather have McGinn than Modric on his team

These guys get paid as experts

 

[Old Man Jags]

I am hoping for a draw, but I am not holding my breath. Our first game against Scotland showed a lot of heart and great quality from Schick and Vaclik, but also displayed glaring deficiencies in defence. A team with more quality than Scotland up front will take advantage. I also don't see Croatia having another relatively poor game, as they did against England. I like this Czech team, I like their commitment and togetherness, but sadly we lack that bit of individual quality that Croatia have. So my prediction is 2-0 to Croatia, although I would be very happy to be proved wrong and the Czechs getting at least a point from this match. I'd be over the moon with a draw as 4 points should be enough to get to the last 16. We're not going to get anything out of the England game at Wembley.

 

[maclean]

I am hoping for a draw, but I am not holding my breath. Our first game against Scotland showed a lot of heart and great quality from Schick and Vaclik, but also displayed glaring deficiencies in defence. A team with more quality than Scotland up front will take advantage. I also don't see Croatia having another relatively poor game, as they did against England. I like this Czech team, I like their commitment and togetherness, but sadly we lack that bit of individual quality that Croatia have. So my prediction is 2-0 to Croatia, although I would be very happy to be proved wrong and the Czechs getting at least a point from this match. I'd be over the moon with a draw as 4 points should be enough to get to the last 16. We're not going to get anything out of the England game at Wembley.

If England already have two wins under their belt, they may field a weaker line up and give us a chance (though what Southgate considers a weaker line-up may actually be better ). Alternatively if they lose to Scotland, they might start to fall apart psychologically. But those are highly theoretical positions, I agree we need points out of this game

 

[HajdukSplit]

Pretty offensive lineup, Brozovic benched and Brekalo comes in meaning Kramaric will play centrally. Lovren comes back but unfortunately Dalic insists on him and Vida

 

[Wee Baby Seamus]

Pat Niven with the dumbest take of the Euro's so far, according to him Modric is old and slow, and he'd rather have McGinn than Modric on his team

These guys get paid as experts

I didn't see this, but knowing Pat Nevin his tongue was probably just about as in his cheek as it can get

 

[cgf]

Bright start from the czechs, they need to capitalize cause their defense worries me against a more cogent Croatian lineup.

 

[Eisen]

Cheering for the Czechs here.

 

[TheMoreYouKnow]

Unfortunately this is another game that could get bogged down in tactics. Both teams may well feel a point here is sufficient.

 

[Live in the Now]

Czechs are good going forward, but lots of low percentage crossing here.

 

[Czechboy]

I'm pretty happy with how Czechs look so far.

I agree that Crotia is the fav so I'm happy we look competitive.

It's either 0-0 or 1-0 IMO.

I honestly can't see the Czechs getting another cleansheet so if they want a win, they'll need 2 goals which I also think is unlikely.lol

 

[Bondurant]

Another game bogged down by poor ESPN tech capabilities. Audio feed flows and it sounds like I have not missed much thus far. Alas, time to mute and get ready for work. Will follow a match tracker from here on.

 

[TheMoreYouKnow]

Choke at Schick hitting that 45 yarder but then messing up that shot from 5 yards out.

 

[Czechboy]

My fav soccer jersey is the classic croatian one.. why are they in black when they have such nice Jerseys?lol

 

[Czechboy]

Great Croatian setup! Final shot was lacking but a beauty corner play.