Having experienced contrasting fortunes in their opening Group D matches, Croatia meet Czech Republic at Hampden Park in a top vs third group clash at Euro 2020.
Victory could see Croatia climb to second for at least a few hours, whereas Czech Republic can secure qualification for the knockout stage with a win.
Team News
Dejan Lovren could return for Croatia after recovering from a knee injury.
Borna Barisic is however unlikely to feature after missing their opening loss to England on Sunday with a knock and was left behind in Rovinj, Croatia.
Czech Republic have no fresh injury concerns to report and manager, Jaroslav Silhavy is set to name an unchanged starting line-up.
Stat Attack
- This is Croatia’s first meeting against Czech Republic at a major tournament.
- Croatia are unbeaten in three previous meetings against Czech Republic in all competitions (W1, D2), excluding a penalty shootout win in a friendly Hassan II Trophy tournament.
- Czech Republic have lost both of their two previous ‘away’ matches against Croatia (L2).
- Both teams have scored in each of their three previous clashes with Croatia scoring seven goals to Czech Republic’s five goals.
- All three of Croatia’s defeats in 2021 has been by 1-0 results against Slovenia, Belgium and England respectively.
- Three of Czech Republic’s last five goals in all competitions have been scored by Patrik Schick.
Prediction
Following a largely lethargic display at Wembley on Sunday, Croatia really need a win here to boost their qualification hopes because they just seemed to struggle badly in the heat in terms of their attacking despite producing a strong defensive performance.
Czech Republic meanwhile ended their Hampden Park hoodoo with a strong clinical win over Scotland in which they delivered an all-round strong performance, so will certainly be fancying their chances here of a huge win to book a knockout spot.
I therefore can see a cracking contest here between two quality teams but if Croatia can’t find their end product quickly, Czech Republic should have enough for the win.
Prediction: Croatia 0-1 Czech Republic
Result: Croatia 1-1 Czech Republic
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