An unexpected triumph! 5 factors that secured the Czech Republic’s progress to the quarter-finals

Few people trusted the Czech Republic against the Netherlands. However, Jaroslav Šilhavy’s charges played their best game of the tournament and unexpectedly knocked out the favoured opponent. For the first time since the famous Euro 2004 they won a match in the knockout stage. For the first time in history, the Dutch did not get a shot on target in a European or World Championship match. What decided the match?

1. A key tackle by Vaclik and a red card for De Ligt

The 55th minute decided the fate of this semi-final. The Netherlands finally broke through the solid defence of their opponents and Malen drove himself at Vaclik. But the native of Ostrava was able to cover his clearance and put this huge chance to rest. He then immediately sent his team on the break.

Our team got to the Dutch goal, De Ligt got confused and played his hand in front of the onrushing Schick to prevent his escape. VAR then confirmed De Ligt’s foul and the referee eventually awarded him a red card. A crucial moment that put the Czech Republic on the power play.

2. Great tactics by coach Šilhavy

The national team coach often divides the fans. There are those who admire him and acknowledge his coaching past. Others criticize him excessively and doubt his qualities. However, he deserves huge credit for the game against the Netherlands. He set the team up with tactics that worked brilliantly.

His charges played actively, their pressing worked well and they gave the Dutch almost no space. The opponent did not get to their game at all. Their offensive stars like Depay and Wijnaldum were virtually invisible. Excellent tactics, dedication, combativeness, no respect for the opponent. Great job by both the players and the entire coaching staff.

3. The right changes in the starting line-up

Šilhavy was forced to make a few changes before the start of the 8-final. Bořil was replaced by the experienced Kadeřábek, Barák came in for the injured Darida and Ševčík replaced the lacklustre Jankt. All the replacements played to the limit and exceeded all expectations.

Kadeřábek was without a game load, he played through his leg, moreover against the great Dumfries. The Czech defender coped with these circumstances perfectly. Dumfries only went through him once, otherwise he defended him well, winning almost all the header duels. The newcomer Barak raised his offensive game again. He was far more creative than Darida. He made our offense much more dangerous.

Ševčík also played very solidly. Without these changes, we wouldn’t have made it to the quarterfinals. These players gave top performances and should be in the starting lineup for the quarterfinals.

4. Stopping the opponent’s initial pressure

The Netherlands had a great start and wanted to score a quick goal. They even created several chances, but our national team was able to resist. After some 20 minutes, the team adapted to the opponent’s style of play and even managed to match it. As time passed, the pressure of the favourite weakened and the Czech Republic started to dominate the game more.

Schick and his teammates started to have more confidence, while the opponent started to have doubts. This was helped by an excellent team performance supported by dedication, combativeness and improved individual quality.

5. Converting chances

It was clear that this aspect could make the difference in the eighth-final against the Dutch. And indeed it did. Surprisingly, our team created plenty of chances but failed to take advantage of the opening ones. More chances came after De Ligt was sent off. Their pressure increased and the longed-for goal did come. Holeš scored from a well played corner. Then it was important that there was no let-up.

Šilhavy’s charges continued to be active and dominant, they hardly let the weakened opponent do anything. This game concept paid off and Schick’s goal definitely decided the match. The one-man advantage was used to great effect and the progress to the quarter-finals is well deserved.