How did the Czech footballers do at the Euro?

In the quarter-finals, the Czech national team’s journey through this year’s European Championship ended. The national team was defeated by Denmark. How did the players perform in the five games played?

Tomas Vaclik – 1-

The underrated goalkeeper made some great saves against Scotland, the Netherlands and Denmark. None of the four goals scored were his fault. He overshadowed the minor uncertainties with excellent performances.

Pavel Kadeřábek – 2

Played in only one game and probably expected more himself. But in that game he stood up to the challenge, holding off the dangerous Dutch weapon Dumfries. He could have even scored, but he didn’t score in a big chance.

Ondřej Čelůstka – 2-

The damn stopper played a solid championship. Even though he was outplayed by his teammate Kalas, Celestka certainly didn’t fall behind. Against Denmark, he might have handled the situation differently before the first goal.

Jakub Brabec – 3

He only played for a while and didn’t make or break anything big. Probably rightly he didn’t belong in the starting lineup. Čelůstka and especially Kalas were better at the stopper position.

Vladimir Coufal – 1-

Probably the most proficient Czech player in the tournament. He notched two assists, tirelessly worked the line, made a lot of rebounds. Too bad he lost the duel with Perisic before Croatia’s goal.

Tomas Kalas – 1-

Another one of the men criticized for his performance at the EURO. Especially against the Netherlands he was perfect and crowned his performance with a pass on Holeš’s goal. He has become an expert at blocking shots.

Jan Bořil – 3-

One of the Czech disappointments of the tournament and a player widely criticised during the tournament. After a long season, he was clearly tired and didn’t support the attack like he did in Slavia. In addition, he was involved in two goals conceded.

Antonín Barák – 2

Started in the starting line-up in both games of the knockout phase. He showed calmness on the ball, overview, good technique. His standard situations brought chances against the Netherlands and Denmark.

Vladimir Darida – 2-

More than just constant movement, covering spaces and combativeness was expected from the team captain. Especially in the pre-final and final stages he should have been more expressive. He announced the end of his national team career, and for me he still had a lot to give to the team.

Tomas Holes – 1-

The revelation of this season showed himself in a great light at the Euro. Once again he confirmed that he can score important goals. He played his best against the Netherlands, erasing Wijnaldum and De Jong.

Lukáš Masopust – 2

Surprising to many that he started in the starting line-up. But he put in a good performance, matched Coufal, pressed the opponent’s passing, offered himself, made a lot of runs.

Petr Ševčík – 2

Surprisingly, he played quite often, even in positions where he doesn’t play at the club. He knows how to hold the ball, send a surprising pass, he was annoying for the opponent with his obtrusiveness.

Jakub Jankto – 2-

In the first matches he played in the starting line-up and was not very visible. On the left side he didn’t help Bořil as much in defending as Masopust helped Coufal on the other side. Against Denmark as a joker he showed quick breaks down the wing and good centres.

Tomas Soucek – 1-

You expect goals from a player of his calibre. Even so, Soucek was a very valid member of the Czech team, basically its pillar. He did a lot of running again, he finished against Denmark with a turban on his bloodied head.

Alex Kral – 3-

More was definitely expected from Kral, but he wasn’t quite in form before the championship. The national team lacked his movement, ability to bring the ball out, cover spaces defensively. That’s why he sat on the bench from the second game onwards at the expense of Holeš.

Patrik Schick – 1

Probably the best Czech player at the tournament. He has a nose for goals, he can score in the penalty area, from penalties and from long range. But the national team is too dependent on his performance.

Michael Krmencik – 3-

He had good flashes, but that was about it. Physically he was equal to his opponents, but his speed and ball handling was worse. He didn’t confirm his position as the second striker behind Schick.

Adam Hložek – 2-

In games where he came on as a substitute he showed good things like against Scotland. Of course he is still gaining experience. In the next qualification cycle he can play a more important role again.

Matěj Vydra – 3

Even Vydra didn’t show all of his repertoire at the tournament. It has to be said that coach Šilhavý didn’t set him up too much. But when Vydra was on the court, he didn’t show much.

Not rated:: Aleš Mandous, Tomáš Koubek, David Zima, Aleš Matějů, Michal Sadílek, Tomáš Pekhart, Jakub Pešek

Source: Transfermarkt