Czech Republic vs Croatia: EURO 2016 Group D Preview & Prediction

Croatia will look to build on their positive start at Euro 2016, and book their spot in the knockout stages,when they face Czech Republic in Saint-Etienne on Friday evening.

Following a 1-0 win against Turkey in their opening Group D match, coupled with Spain’s victory by the same scoreline against the Czechs on the opening matchday, Croatia know that three points would guarantee their place in the last 16.

Ante Cacic’s side were impressive in the success against Turkey, where Luka Modric’s stunning volley gave them the three points, but they will be wary that they might need to improve their finishing if they are to progress further into the tournament –  the team had 19 efforts on goal, including hitting the woodwork on two occasions, but only found the net once.

Croatia seem to love playing at tournaments in France – they have won six of their last eight matches there, including five in seven at the 1998 World Cup, where they finished third.

Meanwhile, Czech Republic will have counted themselves unlucky to lose 1-0 to the holders Spain, with Gerard Pique’s decisive header coming just three minutes from time.

While they looked relatively resolute at the back, despite keeping just one clean sheet in their last 23 fixtures, the Czechs failed to make much of an impression at the other end of the pitch against the 2012 champions – having six shots compared to their opponents’ 18 – and they will need to put that right at the Stade Geoffrey-Guichard on Friday.

If they are to progress any further this summer, Pavel Vrba’s men must rediscover their impressive Euro 2016 qualifying form, where they finished top of Group A above the likes of Turkey and the Netherlands.

This will be the first competitive meeting between the two nations, although Croatia were 4-2 winners when the two teams met in a friendly back in 2011, when current West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic was in charge, with the only other previous encounter ending in a 1-1 draw in 1996.

Luka Modric was the hero for Croatia in their opening Euro 2016 win against Turkey. Photo: Presse Sports / Offside

Team News:

The Czech Republic are likely to make changes following the defeat to Spain, in which they had just 28% possession, although Borek Dockal is a doubt following a recent ankle injury, but Marek Suchy could feature at centre-back after missing the opening match due to suspension.

Croatia defender Vedran Corluka is available despite suffering a nasty head wound against Turkey, while captain Darijo Srna is expected to start despite making a trip home to attend his father’s funeral earlier this week.

FIFA World Ranking: Czech Republic – 30th; Croatia – 27th
Best European Championship Finish: Czech Republic – Runners-Up (1996); Croatia – Quarter-Finals (1996 & 2008)
Previous Meeting: Croatia 4-2 Czech Republic (February 9, 2011 – International friendly)
Form: Czech Republic – LDWWLL; Croatia – WWDWWW
Key Men: Czech Republic – Tomas Rosicky; Croatia – Luka Modric
Shoot Says: Czech Republic 1-2 Croatia