The Czech Republic vs Spain match is visibly more important for the Czech than for the Group I leaders, who have already secured their place for the UEFA Euro 2012 finals.
The rule for the UEFA Euro 2012 qualification is quite clear: only the hosts, the qualifying group leaders, the best runner-up and the play-off victors can participate in the final competition. Knowing this, it is obvious that the Czech cannot afford to give away their great chance to profit from Europe’s most prestigious tournament at international level.
Looking at Group I, it is hard to predict who will occupy the second position of the table in the long run. While Spain are safe with 18 points and a goal difference of +16, 10 points holders Czech have reasons to keep a close eye on third place Scotland, who sit just 2 points behind.
In view of their imminent fixture against Liechtenstein, the Scots are very much likely to come out on top and grab another 3 points. The Czech are thus advised to ignore their challengers and concentrate on stunning the defending European and world champions.
However, humbling a side as strong as La Roja - strengthened with a long winning streak - is never an easy thing to do. The “underdogs” could nonetheless gain some courage through the fact that the Spanish have never defeated them away from home, and this time, the game will go on in Prague. Furthermore, with the addition of Sparta Praha captain Marek Matějovský, the return of Petr Čech and a fully prepared side, there is more for Michal Bílek’s men to hope for than to fear.
Inversely, things are not so good for Del Bosque, who will have to do with the absence of Barcelona star Cesc Fabregas and Sevilla forward Alvaro Negredo. The two players have reportedly been hit with hamstring injuries.
Defenders Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol are however anticipated to start, along with Valencia full-back Jordi Alba. Should Iker Casillas be at his goal post this time around, then he will be placing himself an inch away from the record of former keeper Andoni Zubizarreta for the number of international appearances, at 125.
Looking at Group I, it is hard to predict who will occupy the second position of the table in the long run. While Spain are safe with 18 points and a goal difference of +16, 10 points holders Czech have reasons to keep a close eye on third place Scotland, who sit just 2 points behind.
In view of their imminent fixture against Liechtenstein, the Scots are very much likely to come out on top and grab another 3 points. The Czech are thus advised to ignore their challengers and concentrate on stunning the defending European and world champions.
However, humbling a side as strong as La Roja - strengthened with a long winning streak - is never an easy thing to do. The “underdogs” could nonetheless gain some courage through the fact that the Spanish have never defeated them away from home, and this time, the game will go on in Prague. Furthermore, with the addition of Sparta Praha captain Marek Matějovský, the return of Petr Čech and a fully prepared side, there is more for Michal Bílek’s men to hope for than to fear.
Inversely, things are not so good for Del Bosque, who will have to do with the absence of Barcelona star Cesc Fabregas and Sevilla forward Alvaro Negredo. The two players have reportedly been hit with hamstring injuries.
Defenders Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol are however anticipated to start, along with Valencia full-back Jordi Alba. Should Iker Casillas be at his goal post this time around, then he will be placing himself an inch away from the record of former keeper Andoni Zubizarreta for the number of international appearances, at 125.
