Duty fulfilled, Czech Republic beat Belarus 1:0, Barak scored

The Czech team fulfilled the role of the favourite, beating Belarus 1: 0 and claiming an important victory. The Czechs gave a solid performance, not letting their opponents do anything and struggling in the end. The absence of Schick was noticeable. Soucek and co. are now in 2nd place thanks to the win and the goal of qualifying for the barrage is a little closer.

The Czech team started the match against Belarus with a changed line-up. Many key players were absent either due to injury or for disciplinary reasons. Matějů, Hložek or Doležal earned a place in the starting line-up.

1. half-time was clearly in the home team’s control, and the favourite managed to confirm it with a goal. The Czechs started the match well. In the 8th minute Jankto shot from distance, the Belarusian goalkeeper made his first successful save. Jaroslav Šilhavy’s team had the territorial advantage, the opponent could only defend hard.

In the 17th minute, the home team had a big glitch. Jankto shot again, but the Belarusian goalkeeper was again against. In the 33rd minute, the Czech activity was finally rewarded.

King won the ball for Hložek, the Czech talent found a completely free Barák and he sent the Czech team into the lead with a precise shot to the bar. Nothing major happened in the rest of the first half. After the end of the 1st half, the home favourite held the lead.

2. the half time was much more even, the visitors were even more active. The inaccuracy added to the Czechs’ game. However, they were able to defend their narrow lead quite easily. The opening minutes after the break were among the weakest moments of the match, with no chances being created on either side. As time passed, the Czechs started to rely on breakaways.

In the 68th minute, they were able to break the resistance of their opponents for good. A breakaway Vydra sent a great centre to Jankt, but the Czech winger was unable to clear the ball into the open net and he blew his chance. The score remained unchanged.

In the last 20 minutes the Czech team created several interesting chances. Jankto or Barák shot dangerously, but both shots were defused by goalkeeper Chernik. The Czechs managed to keep their slim lead and claim a valuable victory.

Thanks to the win, the Czechs have 7 points on their account and have strengthened their position in the qualifying group. The road to the barrage will be a huge battle, nothing is decided.

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