Decisive and balanced match between Scotland and Czech Republic

After England’s 1–0 win over Croatia, it was Scotland and the Czech Republic’s turn in Group D at 3 p.m.

The party will be beautiful in the streets of Glasgow. More than 25 years after their last European Championship, the Scots are hosting regulars at their stadium, Hampden Park. Since 1996, the first European tournament since seceding from Czechoslovakia, the Czechs have not lost any European Championships. So the experience will be in favor of the continental team. Despite a 1 to 3 goal victory over Albania a few days later, one cannot be confident given their heavy defeat (4–0) in preparation against Italy. Meanwhile, Scotland beat the Netherlands at Memphis Depay (2-2) to beat Luxembourg 1-0.

The stakes are important, much more than it seems. Indeed, a win in the day’s match could put some pressure on the shoulders of Croatia, who were defeated yesterday, who will take on the Czechs and then Scotland. The best third rule should also go over the players’ heads. Remember that four of the six teams placed third in their group will qualify for the Round of 16, a draw actually crippling the possibility of repechage.

Crédit image en une : EPA