Advancing from first place is taboo, Belgium didn’t give the Czech Republic a chance

The Czech Republic failed to win the match against Belgium and after losing 0:3 they are no longer in a position to advance from first place. Besides the three goals, the other negative is that goalkeeper Tomáš Vaclík had to be replaced due to injury.

Adam Hložek had the first chance of the match, but his finish was knocked down by Jason Denayer. The score changed in the eighth minute. Romelu Lukaku ran in behind the defense and with a ground shot gave Tomas Vaclik no chance.

The Red Devils continued to run riot, with none of Yannick Ferreira Carrasco’s attempts going between the three posts. Lukaku tried again in the 30th minute, but substitute Jindřich Stanek kept him out.

In the 41st minute, Viktoria Plzeň’s goalkeeper was already fishing the ball out of the net, after a nice team move by Eden Hazard. Tomas Soucek could have at least reduced the deficit, but Thibaut Courtois dealt with his cross.

After the change of sides Matěj Vydra had a scoring chance, but his finish was not good. In the 63rd minute, Hložek shot from a corner, but Courtois made an excellent save. Moments later, Alexis Saelemaekers scored again.

After that, the match was played out and Belgium defeated Šilhavy’s team 3:0.

Source: World Cup qualification