The injury to Provod is beginning to really hurt us. I think the general consensus was that he’d start in place of Masopust, but we almost desperately need him in central midfield right now. He’d be a considerable upgrade over Kral and Darida, while still offering the work rate that Silhavy prefers. I’m confident he would’ve had himself an impressive tournament and not suffered a loss of form like others have. Provod and Soucek would be one of the more physically unplayable midfield duos in the tournament I’m sure. I think Holes replacing Kral on Friday is almost guaranteed at this point.
I suspect this is Darida's last go-round as a national team starter, he's only 30 and still can put in workrate like few others in Europe so he probably won't retire from the NT, but he isn't a 10 so its an awkward fit in the current system. Provod isn't really a 10 either, but he's extremely versatile and physically imposing box-to-box player that pairs perfectly with Soucek. In a recent interview, Rosicky said he believe Hlozek's future is in the middle even though he plays on the wing now. I'm not advocating for experimenting in a major tournament with changing an 18-year-olds position, but if we continue with a similar system after Euros it would be hugely beneficial to have a creative 10 that can also be a physical presence. In either case there needs to be a way as he builds reputation to have both he and Schick on the field. https://www.eurosport.com/football/...lping-the-next-generat_sto8361584/story.shtml
Probably should have put that in the NT thread since it's all more about our midfield after this tournament... not that it matters, but for the present the only immediate change that makes sense on current form is Holes for Kral.
My other concern after this tournament is Vaclik. On paper a keeper his age has some years left, but he's had injury setbacks the last 2 seasons and it seems just as likely to take a high profile backup job for his next club (Real Madrid were rumored to want him as their #2 keeper) that may impact his sharpness. While the once seemed like great depth that would challenge for the starting spot: Pavlenka had a rough year on a relegation team and it remains to be seen how comfortable Kolar is playing going forward from his injury.
That doesn’t surprise me at all. As much as Hlozek became a potent goalscorer this season, I always thought his playmaking ability was just as good, if not better. I think his best position is as a second striker. A Hlozek - Schick tandem would be unstoppable at times even against top European opposition. I’d definitely try a more flexible 4-3-3 (that can switch to a 4-3-1-2 like France) or a 3-5-2 (probably the best considering our defensive options). That’s part of the reason why I’d like a new manager after this tournament because I’m not convinced Silhavy is capable of adjusting his system to accommodate our best players and address our weaknesses (central defence, wingers, and eventually leftback).
Perhaps getting ahead of myself on this next part but… If we qualified for the 2022 World Cup, I don’t think he’d even make the team. He’ll be 32 which isn’t exactly that old, but since the tournament is played at the end of the year, that extra half season could make a huge (beneficial in our case) difference. Our midfield is struggling right now, but could be stacked by that time if everyone is healthy and fulfills their potential. What I envision our midfield options will hopefully be: Soucek, Kral, Barak, Provod, Karabec, Krejci*, Darida, Kalvach, Bucha, Sadilek* * would ideally be capable of playing in defence instead I personally feel Holes and Sevcik are mostly benefitting from the Trpisovsky masterclass at Slavia. Both fine options for now, but not really long term solutions in my opinion. Probably more appropriate in the NT thread as you mentioned, but always interesting to make these kinds of projections at any point.
Well, Italy definitely look like they peaked just in time for this tournament... your welcome btw to any Italians passing through.
Italy had been the most consistent and dominant team in Europe leading up to this tournament, and are showing no signs of slowing down. My power rankings at the moment: 1) France 2) Italy 3) England / Belgium Denmark was my dark horse from the start, but not sure what to expect of them playing under such troubling circumstances. I’d love to see them make a fairytale run. I think Portugal is the most likely to exit first out of the top teams.
Denmark are looking great right now, although Belgium look asleep. I've been shocked by how off form many teams have looked in this tournament
Tomorrow will be a huge test for us. If we beat Croatia, I think we have a chance at maybe making it to the quarters obviously depending on who we draw. If we lose to Croatia, unfortunately I think our tournament will be over the moment we make it to the round of 16. Also a win tomorrow guarantees us at least 2nd unless of course Scotland wreck England.
It’s nice to have some pressure relieved ahead of this game, but I just hope we don’t become too complacent from the start and set up for a draw. That should only be the goal based on the course of the game. Our midfield simply has to be better and we need to be much sharper in possession as a team. The one stat we must improve on is our pass completion rate. Just under 70% against Scotland which is really poor at this level. You can get away with that in a scrappy dogfight with Scotland, but against this Croatian midfield, we need to keep the ball as much as we can. Crazy to think we will likely start with Kral, Barak, and Hlozek on the bench. I agree that tactics and form (in the case of Kral) need to be prioritized right now, but still think we’re limiting our potential in doing so.
This is a match where we ideally want to strike early and put them on the back foot, if Croatia get comfortable on the ball against our press then it could be a tough one.
A few headlines this morning about Liverpool making a move for Hlozek, although I suspect its just one article being copy and pasted. Not sure how I would feel about that move if it happens.
That would be an interesting move in the sense that Hlozek is kind of similar to Firmino in my opinion. Both are more playmaking forwards that can assist just as much they score, so a possible like-for-like replacement in Klopp’s system. I do think Hlozek has the physical attributes to be a more natural goalscorer however.
Looking at the Croatia lineup, I’m quite surprised Caleta-Car was replaced by Lovren, who hasn’t played since the beginning of April. Hopefully Schick can take advantage of their rusty and aging central defence. Kramaric appears to be playing as a 10, so if this works for them, we can all shout for Hlozek to be used similarly in the future. Definitely seems a more direct, attacking set up as expected.
Croatia seem to be missing a generation of talent in the prime age group, it seems like many of their players are either into their 30s or U-23. I would say they have the same weakest position as us, their central defense are aging and slow.
This should without a doubt be the lowest attended game of the tournament with the quarantine measures in place for any of our travelling fans. Not sure if the same applies to Croatians?
Croatia starts with Vida and Lovren at the back. Means no clean sheet for them. I'll go for a 1-1 draw in this. Pity that there are barely fans on the stands. I guess it's because of very harsh quarantine rules by Scotland for both these countries.
My viewing app isn't working! So looking for a semi-legitimate alternative, my old go-tos aren't working. It sounds like we are off to a decent start though.
20 mins in so far and we’ve had the better chances for sure. Croatia haven’t really threatened and we seem to be the team in control. We need to capitalize though.