Context, key battles, & predicted line-ups

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Czech Republic vs Denmark – Context:

Two nations who might feel surprised to be featuring in a quarter-final. Denmark’s tournament has been perpetually associated with the collapse of Christian Eriksen on the opening day defeat to Finland.

Their loss against Belgium on matchday 2 seemingly all but ended their hopes of progression… or so they thought. Results fell their way and a storming victory over Russia saw the, progress. Their goalscoring form continued on and a 4-0 drubbing of Wales sets them up nicely to compete in the quarter-final with the Czechs.

Czech Republic vs Denmark: Context, H2H, key battles, subplots & predicted line-ups

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – JUNE 12: Christian Eriksen of Denmark gestures during the UEFA EURO 2020 Group B match between Denmark and Finland at Parken Stadium on June 12, 2021 in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo by Lars Ronbog / FrontZoneSport via Getty Images)

The Czech Republic have earned the label of giant killers this tournament with their 2-0 victory over the Netherlands. Assisted by a Matthijs de Ligt red card, Patrik Schick wasted no time capitalising to help his side progress.

The Czechs have conceded just 2 goals so far this tournament, one against Croatia, the second against England. Whereas the Danes have one of the best goal tally’s thanks to their 8 goals in the last two fixtures. It is set to be a great clash.

Czech Republic vs Denmark – Head-to-head:

The pair have an almost even record after 11 meetings. The Czech Republic have come away with 3 wins and the Danes one less with 2.

The 6 draws provide a good picture of the last 6 meetings with 5 of them ending all square.

The most recent meeting between the two teams saw a 1-1 draw played out. A young Antonin Barak, whose expected to start the quarter-final on Saturday, scored an 8th minute opener. Nicolai Jorgensen got the equaliser but is not part of the Danish squad this summer despite featuring in the qualifiers for the tournament.

The last time the pair met in an international tournament was at the same stage in the 2004 Euros. The Czech Republic sporting some of the nation’s best players came out on top with a 3-0 win. Milan Baros got a brace and Jan Koller picked up a goal for himself. Pavel Nedved and Tomas Rosicky both featured along with Petr Cech in goal.

Czech Republic vs Denmark – Key battles:

For the Czech Republic it is very clear their star striker Schick is the man that Denmark must be aware of. His ability on the floor and indeed aerially will need to be tamed but he will be up against an experienced back three.

Simon Kjaer, Andreas Christensen and Jannik Vestergaard are all good at dealing with aerial threats and it may be better for Schick to be fed with low driven balls as opposed to the lofted crosses he has enjoyed.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JUNE 14: Patrik Schick of Czech Republic celebrates after scoring their side’s second goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group D match between Scotland v Czech Republic at Hampden Park on June 14, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Petr Josek – Pool/Getty Images)

For Denmark, Mikkel Damsgaard has been the star of their team. His youthful energy has been exactly what Denmark has needed to ignite their tournament a drag them through.

The Czechs have so far used a back 4 system and Denmark’s wing-backs of Daniel Wass and Joakim Maehle will look to overload the flanks with the help of Damsgaard and Martin Braithwaite. Should the attacking Vladimir Coufal be caught out of position, Maehle may enjoy another goal fest.

Czech Republic vs Denmark – The subplot:

The issue surrounding the match has been very much focused on the inability for a significant number of supporters to attend.

The quarter final is taking place in Baku Azerbaijan. Whilst 7,000 Czech fans were able to see their nation defeat the Netherlands in Budapest, Hungary, travel restrictions means very few, if any, will be in attendance. Midfielder Barak has spoken out regarding his frustrations at the inconvenience:

“I don’t understand this and I haven’t got over it yet.

“We won’t be able to get our fans and our families there. If we played in Copenhagen, they (Denmark) would be at home but we could still get lots of Czech fans there.”

Meanwhile, the Danish FA are making sure they will have some representation there. 50 of the most loyal fans will have their flights and tickets paid for to ensure they are present for the quarter-final.

TAK for jeres fantastiske opbakning ???

Danmarks 50 mest loyale fans får både flyrejse til Baku og billet betalt, når Herrelandsholdet på lørdag møder Tjekket i EM-kvartfinalen ✈️?️

Læs mere her: https://t.co/Bchfsi0ndX #ForDanmark #DEN #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/LmcHKbP1pZ

— DBU – En Del Af Noget Større (@DBUfodbold) July 1, 2021