The second match of Euro2016 on Friday sees Czech Republic vs Croatia in Group D in what could be a pivotal match in that section. With Spain in the group too you would think there is only one spot up for grabs in behind them in terms of qualifying.
Czech Republic have got the Spain game out of the way and if they win here they will be confident about their chances of making it through to the quarter finals. If Croatia were to win they wouldn’t need to worry about the Spain match as they would already be through.
I guess you could make the case that the Czechs were unlucky to lose to Spain in their previous match but the reality is that the goal was always coming it just happened to come fairly late on. Czech Republic will have to open up and play a little more in this match if they are to get the win here.
I wasn’t convinced going into the tournament about Czech Republic’s credentials and I’ve a feeling they were made to look competent by a poor Spain side in the first game. We’ll only truly know after this game but I expect the Czechs will need to be a lot better here if they are to get anything.
Key Man
Petr Cech might well be called upon to save Czech Republic at various points in this match. He wasn’t as busy as you’d have expected against Spain but with the creativity that this Croatia side have it would be a major surprise if he is not tested more here.
I thought the Croatians were among the pick of the sides in the first set of matches and I’m looking forward to watching them here to see if they improve on that. If they do then they were well worthy of being spoken about as potential winners of this tournament.
I loved the way the Croatian midfield played against Turkey and while you get the suspicion that they are vulnerable defensively what they lack in that area they certainly make up for further forward with arguably the best midfield in the tournament with perhaps the exception of France.
Key Man
Luka Modric was fantastic in the first match. It wasn’t just his goal which made him stand out. He was solid with the ball and aggressive in the tackle and displayed a real passion and drive that inspired his side. If he can repeat that performance this Croatia side will be well on their way.
Team News
You would think the Czechs are certain to make changes after a largely ineffective performance in the first game. Marek Suchy was suspended for that match but he is available here and is likely to come in. Borek Dockal is hoping to be fit.
Vedran Corluka took a blow to the head in the game against Turkey but apparently hasn’t suffered any ill effects from it so he should be available here while captain Darijo Srna is back in the country having been home to attend the funeral of his father.
Head to Head
These two have only met on two occasions and there has been a draw after 90 minutes and a Croatia win. Croatia won 4-2 in a friendly but that was back in 2011. That was their most recent meeting.
Betting
This is a match where I’m expecting to see goals. The Czech Republic have to come out and play a little more in this match because of losing the first game but Croatia looked very good and if the Czechs do that they could easily get picked off a couple of times.
With their need to score being pretty strong we shouldn’t think Czech Republic won’t but with such a good price on over 2 goals we might not need them to. I don’t think the Czechs are particularly good but the situation of the group dictates they have to go for it a little more.
That should be perfect for Croatia and I would expect them to win the game but I’m on them to win the group and one goes hand in hand with the other so I don’t need to get involved in them to win in 90 minutes but I can’t ignore a goal line of just 2 goals at such an attractive price.
Tips
WON – Back Over 2 goals for a 5/10 stake at 1.91 with 188bet
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