Euro-2021: Czech Republic surprises the Netherlands

Published on : 06/27/2021 – 19:54

First surprise of the round of 16. An unabashed Czech Republic eliminated the Netherlands from Memphis Depay on Sunday (June 27th). Reduced to 10 due to the exclusion of De Ligt, De Boer’s men conceded goals from Holes and Schick.

In a Puskas stadium once again full to the brim, the Netherlands started the match very strongly, without shirking their status as favorites. Very quickly, they put pressure on the Czechs, who are struggling to free themselves from the orange pressing. The corners are multiplying in favor of the Dutch, not the chances.

Czech first half

However, despite the good start to the match, the Dutch lost ground and the Czech Republic failed to take advantage of it. From the right, Sevick drops a cross halfway up in front of the Dutch goal. Soucek appears and places a plunging head which passes just next to the frame (22nd). Then Schick sends a strike on Stekelenburg (27th).

De Ligt is forced to save his family. While Barak finds himself alone in front of goal after a shift from Maspust, he tackles to deflect for a corner. The orange defense chief harangues his teammates, furious at their passivity (38th).

The Countries react timidly at the end of the first period. On a climb from Dumfries, Vaclik anticipates a back pass for Depay (38th) then, the ex-Lyon, serves Van Aanholt at 6 meters. The number 12 crosses his shot too much (45th). At halftime, a statistic worries the Orange people: their players did not frame any shots.

The game resumes on the hats of wheels and with an emotional lift for the Dutch. Depay makes a genius deflection for Malen who finds himself alone against the keeper. Vaclik miraculously wins the duel (51st). In the continuation, De Ligt deflects a ball of the hand in position of last defender. The referee first issues a yellow card before consulting the VAR to change the color (52nd).

Kaderabek inherits a ball 6 meters from the Dutch goal, after a deflected cross. He takes too long to adjust his shot. His shot was stopped by a decisive tackle from Dumfries but the goal of the knockout of the Netherlands was not far (63rd).

The Czech Republic insists on the left side. A cross from this hairless side finds Kalas’ header at the far post. The defender puts his head back to Holes who finishes by placing his own under the crossbar (1-0, 68 ‘).

The Netherlands are struggling to react. The Czech Republic took the opportunity to double the bet via its striker Patrick Schick (2-0, 80th).

Crowned with this victory, the Czech Republic will face another outsider of the tournament on Saturday, Denmark, winner of Wales on Saturday.