Preview
While England vs Croatia is the Group D fixture stealing all the headlines this midweek, the Croatia vs Czech Republic showdown could prove to be just as crucial. The two European nations will lock horns at 12 p.m. on Friday at the Hampden Park as Modric and Co. go in search of the all-important three points.
These two sides sit on opposite ends of the table, with the Vatreni suffering defeat on their opening tie in an early blow to their round of 16 hopes. The 1-0 loss to England has not ended their chances of securing progression as a third-place finish could suffice. However, self-reflection will be needed from the struggling 2018 World Cup runners-up.
Despite naming a lineup consisting of the likes of Rebic, Perisic, Kovacic, and Ballon d'Or winner Modric; Zlatko Dalic's side struggled to create clear-cut goalscoring opportunities. The midfield duo of Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice proved too tough for the Croats the break down, resulting in their first defeat of the tournament.
This continued the downward spiral of the Vatreni after their near fairy-tale run at Russia 2018. In their last 10 outings, Croatia have managed only two wins and will look to avoid back-to-back losses. Successive defeats could mean disaster for their Euro 2020 campaign as they are third in the table with zero points and goals scored.
Unfortunately for Dalic's men, they will be taking on the top-placed team: Czech Republic. Naši head into this tie on the back of a confidence-boosting victory over Scotland, with Patrik Schick leading his nation to a tremendous triumph.
The Bayer Leverkusen forward was in inspirational form, breaking the deadlock with a well-worked header right before half-time only to double his team's lead with a spectacular goal from the halfway line in the second half. David Marshall being way off his line tremendously helped but scoring from 50 yards out is never an easy feat. Back-to-back wins for Jaroslav Šilhavý's men would be even more impressive, but only time will tell if they can pull this off.
Team news
Croatia: Borna Barisic, who missed the clash with England due to injury, will not be back in time for this tie but Dejan Lovren is tipped to feature. Modric was forced to train individually but the Real Madrid superstar looks fine to start Friday's game.
Czech Republic: Goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka has been replaced by Tomas Koubek due to injury, but other than that, there is no fresh fitness issues. Schick will once again be the one to watch as he aims to add to his two-goal haul from the opening round.
Key stats
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Czech Republic have record five wins from their last eight matches.
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However, Naši are yet to taste victory in three previous encounters with Croatia, drawing two and losing one.
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The Vatreni have failed to win any of their last three matches (D1, L2).
Broadcast listing
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
