It is not going to be a home tie for either of these sides as the game is taking place in Scotland’s Hampden Park but the Czechs have a feel for the ground given their matchday one tie took place here.
Croatia will want to bounce back from their loss to England, whereas Czech Republic will be looking to add to their win over Scotland by getting another maximum of three points.
In only two previous head to heads there has been one draw between the sides with the one win for Croatia that has seen six goals scored and four conceded by Croatia.
Croatia are 2/10 to win the game and Czech Republic is 3/50 to win the game.
- Previous Defensive Record:
Croatia only conceded one goal against England however it proved to be a vital goal as they lost to their opponents. the Czechs kept a clean sheet against Scotland while scoring two down the other end of the pitch.
Croatia captain Luka Modrić will be looked at to inspire his team as the creative midfielder has registered a goal and an assist across his last four outings for his country. Patrik Schick (Czech Republic) goes into the tie boasting a 49.7-yard effort against Scotland – the longest-range strike at the Euros since 1980 – to make it his sixth goal involvement in as many international appearances (four goals, two assists).
No injury worries for either side.
Croatia possible starting line-up: Livaković; Vrsaljko, Lovren, Vida, Gvardiol; Modrić, Kovačić; Rebić, Vlašić, Perišić; Petković
Czech Republic possible starting line-up: Vaclík; Coufal, Čelůstka, Kalas, Bořil; Král, Souček; Masopust, Darida, Jankto; Schick
Managers view:
Zlatko Dalić, Croatia: “We have to improve in attack… We need a win to give us confidence. One good win with one or two goals would really open us up. We will see a different Croatia against the Czech Republic compared to the one against England. Not only in approach, tactics and style, but also we will see some new players in the first XI. There will be changes.”
Jiří Chytrý, Czech Republic assistant coach: “We are not going to speculate and play for a draw. It’s impossible to do that. We will come to the pitch determined to win. This is how we approach every game.”
Last six form guide:
Croatia: LLDWWL
Czech Republic: WWLLDW
Croatia will take encouragement that they lasted 55 minutes before conceding in their first match but they will no doubt need a win to keep any hopes of progression alive given that both their previous and current opponents have picked up maximum points.
However, the Czech Republic will be aware that before the defeat on Sunday to England, Croatia had never lost a European Championship opener.
But although beaten on matchday one, Croatia boasts an unbeaten head to head record against their Czech opponents W1, D2.
The Czechs however will be desperate for their second win in less than a week as their last group game is against England and it will surely determine who comes out on top in the group.
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