Our Group D assessment continues this afternoon as we cast an eye over the Czech Republic. Pavel Vrba’s troops kick off their campaign with a clash against holders Spain on June 13 at 2pm, then square up to Croatia four days later (5pm) before taking on Turkey at 8pm on June 21.
Road to Qualification
The Czech Republic roll up to France as winners of qualifying Group A, chalking up seven victories and a draw over ten fixtures in a table that also included the likes of Holland, Iceland and Turkey.
Although they proved very consistent and scored in all but one of those matches, Vrba’s side ended the campaign with a goal difference of just +5. This was down to a dire defensive record that saw their backline breached in all ten fixtures – indeed, a tally of 14 goals against is easily the worst of any of the 24 contestants in Euro 2016. Bearing in mind that the Czechs conceded first in five of those fixtures, their matches are likely to be end-to-end affairs under Vrba’s guidance.
In terms of friendlies, that lack of resilience has continued to blight the Czech Republic over the previous 12 months, with just a single clean sheet – in a 6-0 win over Malta last week – over six matches. This included a 4-1 win against Serbia followed by back-to-back losses to Poland (1-3) and Scotland (0-1) before a 1-1 stalemate with Sweden in late March. Vrba’s men also chalked up a midweek 2-1 victory over Russia and play South Korea in their final friendly this Sunday.
Most Appearances Vladimir Darida (10), Petr Cech, Pavel Kaderabek, Vaclav Prochazka, Borek Dockal, Ladislav Krejci (9), David Limbersky, David Lafata (7), Michal Kadlec, Vaclav Pilar (6)
Most goals Borek Dockal (4), Pavel Kaderabek, Vaclav Pilar, Milan Skoda (2)
Most assists Pavel Kaderabek, David Limbersky, Tomas Necid, Josef Sural (2)
The Key Targets
As the top scorer in qualifying with four goals to his name, Borek Dockal comes in at 7.5 in Uefa. Likely to be stationed on the right flank, he was number one for key passes and crossing – which boosts his DraftKings appeal – and also takes a fair share of corner kicks.
In central midfield, Vladimir Darida (6.5 in Uefa) offers an all-round option. Top amongst his team-mates for successful tackles and interceptions, he was also first for attempts on goal and second to Dockal when it came to both crosses and chances created. Arguably, the Hertha Berlin man looks the best option for DraftKings amongst Vrba’s regulars.
The injury-prone Tomas Rosicky played a part in just five of the qualifiers as a result of injury but has proved his fitness in time for the tournament. Priced at just 6.0 in the Uefa game, the midfielder was handed the central support role in a 4-2-3-1 set-up in each of the last two friendlies and netted against Russia on Wednesday. Having scored 22 times for his country, Rosicky’s wealth of experience in the final third could prove crucial if the Czechs are to progress.
Raiding right-back Pavel Kaderabek has benefitted from his manager’s attacking approach and netted twice in the qualifiers. The Hoffenheim defender’s threat is highlighted by the fact that he sat second only to striker David Lafata for both touches inside the box and efforts in the area. Furthermore, he bettered fellow full-back David Limbersky for crosses and interceptions, which looks promising for his DraftKings potential. Similar to Petr Cech in goal, then, a price tag of 5.5, compared to Limbersky’s 5.0, be a little pricey for most, given his side’s lack of resilience. Cech, incidentally, is his nation’s highest-owned player and sits in 4% of Uefa sides at the moment.
The Long Shots
Up front, Tomas Necid (7.0) has emerged from the bench to notch in each of the last two friendlies. Having also supplied an assist against Russia, Necid will be pushing for a start against South Korea at the weekend – a slot in the XI may be indication of his place in the pecking order for the group opener with Spain.
Ladislav Krejci (6.5) has started four of the last five friendlies on the left flank. The Sparta Prague wide man produced a goal against Poland and also earned assists against Malta and Russia over that period – he fired four shots from inside the box in the latter match, despite failing to find the net.
Upcoming Friendlies
Czech Republic vs South Korea (June 5)
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Further Analysis
Group A – Albania, France, Romania, Switzerland.
Group B England, Russia, Slovakia, Wales.
Group C Germany, Northern Ireland, Poland, Ukraine.
Group D Croatia
