Czech Republic take on Denmark in the UEFA EURO 2020 quarter-finals in Baku on Saturday 3 July at 18:00 CET.
Czech Republic vs Denmark: click here for live coverage
What’s the story?
The Czechs took full advantage of the extra man in their round of 16 tie against the Netherlands, goals from Tomáš Holeš and Patrik Schick (his fourth of the finals) following the dismissal of Matthijs de Ligt. That 2-0 win set them up for their second quarter-final meeting with Denmark; they won the first one 3-0 at UEFA EURO 2004.
They will not expect such an emphatic success this time round. Kasper Hjulmand’s side have scored four in their last two games at these finals, a 4-1 success against Russia in their final group stage match setting them up for a convincing 4-0 victory against Wales last time out. After their traumatic start to the finals, Denmark are a team with a renewed purpose.
Where to watch the game on TV
Fans can find their local UEFA EURO 2020 broadcast partner(s) here.
Predicted line-ups
Czech Republic: Vaclík; Coufal, Čelůstka, Kalas, Kadeřábek; Holeš, Souček; Masopust, Barák, Ševčík; Schick
Misses next match if booked: Coufal, Hložek, Masopust
Denmark: Schmeichel; Christensen, Kjær, Vestergaard; Wass, Højbjerg, Delaney, Mæhle; Braithwaite, Poulsen, Damsgaard
Misses next match if booked: Damsgaard, Delaney, Jensen, Wass
Reporters’ views
Ondřej Zlámal, Czech Republic reporter: This tie brings together sides with a strong team spirit and work ethic, both full of confidence after impressive last-16 performances. Jaroslav Šilhavý has the Czechs perfectly tuned since bringing Petr Ševčík, Pavel Kadeřábek and Antonín Barák into his starting XI. Patrik Schick is scoring, the Dutch weren’t allowed a single shot on target, and this team are hungry for more. This could be a thrilling game.
Sture Sandø, Denmark reporter: Denmark are on a roll, and they are flying on wings of marvellous national support and their own great performances, but they face a big challenge. The Czechs must not be underestimated, but there is no fear that coach Kasper Hjulmand and his team will do that. Hjulmand has pulled aces like Damsgaard and Dolberg out of his sleeve already, and he said earlier this week that he is not done with the surprises.
View from the camps
Kasper Hjulmand, Denmark coach: “The heat in Baku will be an issue. It’ll be 30C, and you definitely feel that. How hard can you play? And how do you play? It’s all a factor, but we are prepared for it.”
Jiří Chytrý, Czech Republic assistant coach: “Diamonds can cut diamonds. Both teams base their football on teamwork and intense bursts of pace. Both try to counter opponents’ higher individual skills using these assets, too. We have similar weapons.”
Antonín Barák, Czech Republic midfielder: “We have been following Denmark games throughout the tournament and know how they play. They have a well-balanced team and play an interesting style which is very demanding.”
Form guide (most recent first)
Czech Republic: WLDWLW
Denmark: WWLLDW
