Honestly, it was a mediocre performance. I felt the first half team was better in terms of controlling the game that led to more pressure and a few good chances, however, they were quite careless defensively and ultimately inefficient in attack. Despite winning the game for us, the second half team was poor in my opinion. Apart from a few bright moments and good individual performances, they struggled to hold possession and play as a unit. With that said, Krmencik and Jankto deserve to start against San Marino. From what I saw today, I'd replace Skoda, Zmrhal, Barak, and Sivok with Krmencik, Sykora, Jankto, and one of Kalas or Suchy.
Jankto I 100% agree with. I'd like to give Barak another chance. I think Darida-Jankto-Barak are our future so I'd like to see them playing. Krejci-Schick-Skalak up top for me as well.
Jarolim revealed that he'll make two, maybe three changes to the team that started against Lithuania. Almost certain it'll be Jankto and Krmencik to come in. The third change would likely be Horava. Since Sykora will now miss the game, I think Jankto will probably play out wide with Krejci retaining his place at right wing. Not their ideal positions in my opinion, but it shouldn't really matter today. If the results go our way throughout the group, we'd find ourselves in second. However, with 8 points we'd likely be the lowest ranked playoff team. Group E is our only realistic hope of producing a lower second place team at the moment.
Vaclik - Selassie, Sivok, Brabec, Novak - Dockal, Darida, Barak - Krejci, Krmencik, Jankto Happy with this lineup. Important that we score early and often to boost our goal differential. The scenery surrounding the stadium is beautiful. Hopefully the weather upholds.
I like the midfield and defense. We should win this one comfortably. I cant see to find a stream for this. Usually ESPN at least shows Czech online.
That was the dullest first 10 minutes I've ever seen, San Marino are dropping off and bunkering in as usual and so far we seem content to run lackluster passing drills 30+ meters from goal.
Starting to liven up a bit and playing more direct. And goal. Barak after nice move to get Selassie in behind and he made an unselfish pass.
Darida also hit the post twice. It's been complete domination to this point. I'm sure we'll add a few more.
It finished 6-0. Darida scored from the spot. The second half was very dull. We create a few notable chances, but also gifted San Marino a glorious chance when Brabec carelessly allowed the attacker to run the length of the pitch and have an effort on goal.
I missed the 2nd half, but it's nice to see us easily beat a weak opponent. Still, kind of hard to take too much away. Still, we are going to come out of our slow qualifying start in either 2nd or 3rd at the halfway point in the group at the halfway point... could be worse.
Northern Ireland currently leading Norway 2-0 at half. Should the result stand, they will be 2 points ahead of us. Safe to say we must win all remaining games besides Germany. All I can think about right now is that Novak miss in our first game.
Whether or not we make the playoffs or the tournament itself, I think we're going in the right direction. At the youth levels, I expect our U21 team to make some noise at the Euros this summer and just today, our U19 team qualified for their Euros in early July.
I do like to the look of our youth, but I liked the look of our youth the last cycle too. A lot of players just didn't pan out. We need to be in the world cup. That gets our players the most experience and drives them forward.
Not sure if you guys have heard, but Frantisek Rajtoral has committed suicide. He played for our national team during the 2012 Euros.
Oh my that is awful, and I had missed the news. He was very good for Plzen during the Vrba years and as a squad player for the national team always seemed willing to accept any role as needed.
FACR chairman Miroslav Pelta has been taken into custody as part of a corruption investigation, this has been a long time coming.