The Czechs of course were playing simply to get through against England, and if that meant defending a 1-0 loss (and several players were definitely looking to avoid yellow cards - although Boril didn't get that memo), they were happy to do that. I was disappointed with the nothing performance, but I suppose needs must. (bit like Ewan and Cavendish rolling home 10 minutes behind the bunch in stages one and two of Le Tour)
Different rules apply in the knockout. Czechs have to also consider Darida being injured led to Sevcik taking his place against the Netherlands and adding something to midfield. With Jankto dropped for Barak, it was a lot more solid midfield. Silhavy will not start with the same tactics against England in the last match should the two teams meet again. Consider the qualifiers 5-0 loss, turned round to a deserved 2-1 win in Prague.
Tonight, the team that wants it more will get it. As France showed last night, superior skill counts for nothing if it's only deployed in short bursts. Germany are definitely fragile, but it needs a team with Saka, Bellingham, Rashford to get at that. Kane and Henderson will not cause the same problems. Germans have the same issue with Musala. The starting team sheets will tell us a lot about the opposing manager's outlooks.
to be honest, I'm just trying to distract myself from the imminent appointment of Benitez as Everton manager. And the appalling behaviour of some of our fans
It could with the right team! And German's could also succumb to the same conservatism, they have some significant under performers too, and some dour cloggers. Won't name names as that's just tempting fate.
Ah, the beautiful game, remember that? Let's put down some jumpers and have a socially-distanced kickabout. Long shots only, and no hugging and kissing.
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DraftEveryone: a US sports wire
Jan 2025