Our prediction for this Euro 2024 match:
Buoyed by a thrilling 3-1 win over Poland, Czech Republic will look to retain top position in the standings when they take on Moldova in their second group game. Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick has been left out of the squad, and, in his absence, Adam Hlozek will continue to lead the line for the hosts. With no fresh injury worries to report, Jaroslav Slihavy is unlikely to make changes to the team that defeated the Poles on Friday.
The Moldovans, meanwhile, came from behind to share the spoils with Faroe Islands in the opening match of their EURO 2024 qualifying campaign. Experienced defender Igor Armas is a major doubt after missing the first group game with injury. Anyhow, away win should be considered as Czech Republic impressed in the triumph over Robert Lewandowski and Co.
Highlighted Team (Czech Republic):
Czech Republic national team is the natural successor of the Czechoslovakia side that dominated world football during the 20th century, winning one European Championship trophy and coming second at 1934 and 1962 World Cups. After the separation of the country in 1992, Czech Republic continued the proud tradition by qualifying for each of the next six European Championship finals, losing to Germany in the final of the 1996 tournament.
The Czechs also reached the last eight at the 2012 finals, but their World Cup record of late is pretty disappointing. Since separating from Slovakia, Czech Republic only qualified for one of five World Cup finals. The 1996 generation, featuring players like Pavel Nedved, Karel Poborsky and Patrik Berger, will forever remained etched in the fans’ memory, while the likes of Milan Baros, Jan Koller, Petr Cech and Tomas Rosicky are some of the other notable footballers.
Highly rated goalkeeper Petr Cech is the team’s most capped player, whereas towering forward Jan Koller tops the goalscoring charts with 55 strikes in 91 games.