Czech Rep vs Croatia - preview

VS

- Latest events

CZECH REP.

·         Pavel Vrba disappointed whoever – like us – was expecting the vibrant, attack minded team that we know Czech Republic can be.

·         Instead he got a defensive, bus parked team, who deployed four full backs and allowed Spain to control possession.   

·         It can only get better, and it has too, as the draw they wanted didn’t come making this two matches seem like finals.  

CROATIA

·         Croatia confirmed what’s expected from them, a strong, bulk team, that loves to have the ball and create danger with it.   

·         Turkey was easily dispatched, with a scoreline that definitely does not translate the flow of play of the match.    

·         Ante Cacic will want to win the game, as assuring qualification before playing Spain is the best outcome Croatia could’ve imagined.   

- Areas to follow

CZECH REP.

·         Defense

It wasn’t a thrashing but, it has to be said, it couldn’t have been as not only Czech Republic defend in grand numbers, they also have in their ranks that youngster by the name of Petr Cech. The Arsenal keeper was enormous and assured his team that he will be present for the rest of the competition.

·         Midfield

Without any real support on the wings, the three players responsible to try and pressure Spain’s first stage of possession. But with an aging Rosicky that is only a factor with the ball, they were engulfed and couldn’t create anything relevant.

·         Attack

Necid will be happy to know that his team needs to win, as that assures him more touches that he was able to have against Spain. Czech Republic needs to come back from that horrid game and create something, or they will come home without any thing to remember.   

             

CROATIA

·            Defense

Corluka and Vida – returned to his natural central position – were essential for Croatia to win against Turkey, as any attempts that Fatih Terim’s would have were dealt brilliantly by the duo. Srna was also very precise, with his presence in the attack being also felt.  

·             Midfield

Modric, Rakitic, Brozovic, Perisic. These four created something special for Croatia, and after the great game against Turkey, we definitely feel they are a dark horse for the tournament. They have power, flair, know how to defend, and have in Mandzukic the perfect pairing. Modric was a giant and if keeps it up, Croatia can shock the world.   

·             Attack

“Mandzukic loves a good duel and he’ll be happy to move away from the center backs to give a little touch and open up space for his teammates to come forward and help him out creating danger.“ Juventus’ striker confirmed what we expected, being a factor with his touch-and-go style play and intimidating with his physical presence. A force to be reckoned.

- FIL’S VERDICT

 The quality of the game will be largely dependent on how Croatia will face the game. The draw is not awful, but we doubt that Cacic will want that, especially knowing that his team will face Spain in the last round.

 If that’s confirmed, and with Czech Republic’s need of a win, expect a lot of attack and a very physical game, with players that also know what to do with the ball. With the great game they had, it feels that Croatia will probably edge this game, as they also boast more variety to attack the opponent’s goal.

FIL’S PREDICTION

CZECH REP. 1-2 CROATIA