The Netherlands played the Czech Republic in the Round of 16 of the Euro 2020 at the Puskas Arena, Budapest.

Tomáš Souček could have given the Czech Republic an early lead in the 21st minute after a dangerous cross into the box but he did not have enough contact on the ball to direct it at goal.

Antonín Barák wasted a golden opportunity after he shot the ball way above the bar in front of the Dutch goalkeeper but it apparently took a deflection off Matthijs de Ligt in the 37th minute.

The first half ended with good opportunities for both teams to take the lead but the quality of finishing was subpar.

Once again, the Netherlands wasted a great opportunity after Denzel Dumfries’ cross into the box missed Donyell Malen, who was completely free in the 49th minute.

Malen should have given the Netherlands the lead in the 51st minute after coming one on one with the Czech goalkeeper but failed to get past him.

The game practically changed in the 55th minute after the referee was advised by VAR to watch the replay of Matthijs de Ligt’s handling of the ball which prevented a goal-scoring opportunity. Hence, he was given a red card which left the Netherlands without their star defender and 10 men for the rest of the game.

The Czech Republic took full advantage in the 68th minute when Tomáš Holeš scored a header after a freekick allowed Tomáš Kalas to redirect the ball back into the box.

It became practically impossible for the Netherlands to come back into the game after Patrik Schick doubled the Czech lead in the 80th minute when Holeš stole the ball from midfield and cross it for Schick to scores his 4th goal of the tournament.

The Czech Republic shocked the football world after knocking the Netherlands, who was favourite to win this game out but there is no denying the red card had a massive impact.

Nonetheless, the Czech Republic will play Denmark in the quarter finals.

Source of Image: UEFA EURO 2020 via Twitter

0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply