One UEFA Euro 2016 match down, two more to go. And the two teams facing off on Friday could not have experienced more different outcomes in their respective openers. For the Czech Republic, there was bitter disappointment as a late goal dashed their hopes of picking up a point against Spain. Meanwhile, for Croatia, there was the sweet taste of revenge as a solitary goal was enough to defeat Turkey - the same side that knocked them out of Euro 2008.
Czech Republic
Since becoming an independent nation, the Czech Republic have qualified for every single Euro championship. Their best ever finish was an impressive runners-up spot during the 1996 edition, and four years ago, they made it to the quarter-finals.
However, they could be in danger of missing out on the knockout rounds entirely this time around. Despite putting in a valiant effort, Pavel Vrba's side were unable to keep reigning champions Spain from finally breaking the deadlock through a very late header from Gerard Pique. Still, it was only a one-goal defeat, meaning that if the Czech Republic can turn things around, all hopes of qualifying for the next stage are not lost.
Arsenal shot-stopper Petr Cech was powerless to stop Pique and Spain from stealing all three points in the last moments of the game
Key midfielder Borek Dockal was unable to feature against Spain due to an injury and his manager will be hoping that the 27-year-old Sparta Prague man will be able to rebound in time for this crunch clash.
Croatia
Meanwhile, Ante Cacic's men could seal their spot in the next round for the first time since 2008 - provided that they beat the Czech Republic on Friday. Their first match featured a re-match with familar foes Turkey, and this time around, the Vatreni came out on top courtesy of a long range strike from Luka Modric.
Real Madrid star Luka Modric celebrates after his long range effort to give Croatia the win over Turkey
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With reigning champions Spain looming on the horizon, Croatia will want to make sure they have already booked their ticket ahead of the clash with La Furia Roja. However, given that every team in Group D has either won or lost by one goal, they will be taking on a Czech side who are very much still in the fight and will be hoping to achieve a personal milestone against Croatia.
In terms of personnel, Cacic will have everyone available for selection. Although he suffered a horrible head injury, defender Vedran Corluka will be fit to start for this game, and captain Darijo Srna will also likely return to action after leaving the team's camp to attend his father's funeral.
Which channel is broadcasting Czech Republic vs Croatia on TV or Online?
Not able to make it to the Stade Geoffroy Guichard? No problem. LiveSoccerTV.com has put together options to tune in via TV, computer, phone, or tablet.
Below you'll find all the choices available for fans residing elsewhere in France and in the following countries:
- In the USA at 12.00 EST on: ESPN, SiriusXM FC, WATCH ESPN, ESPN3 USA, ESPN Deportes Radio, ESPN Deportes TV
- In the Czech Republic at 18.00 CET on: ČT Sport
- In Croatia at 18.00 CET on: HRT 2
- In France at 18.00 CET on: beIN Sports 2, beIN SPORTS CONNECT France, beIN Sports 1
- In the UK at 17.00 BST on: TalkSport Radio UK, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC One UK
- In Canada at 12.00 ET on: TSN Radio 1040 | 1410 Vancouver, TSN5, TSN4, RDS
Live elsewhere? Check out our special Czech Republic vs Croatia broadcast page for viewing times and options for your current location.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
Czech Republic vs Croatia - Key stats & facts
- This will be the first ever competitive meeting between the Czech Republic and Croatia
- The two sides have met twice in friendlies (in December 1996 and February 2011)
- Croatia have yet to lose to the Czech Republic. In their last meeting, they beat them 4-2
- That game was the first time the Czech Republic had shipped four games
- Croatia have only failed to score in one of their past 10 Euro matches (against Spain in 2012)
- The Czech Republic have never failed to score in two consecutive games at a European championship
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
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