So the lineup is actually Hlozek moving central to Barak's spot, and Vydra on the left, but I do like having the 3 attacking players behind Schick as all of them can sort of change positions as needed. Sadilek replaces Kral, not unexpected considering form. Zima starts, but we still keep a 2 CB formation with Mateju and Wiesner at fullback, I don't see much value in either at this stage. So a mix of things I like and don't.
I’m fine with this lineup in all honesty. A formation change was always a pipe dream anyways, but at least a few fresh faces that should provide a boost. Hopefully Hlozek can become more impactful playing centrally and Zima can emerge as a regular starter going forward. Need to score early and often today.
Great Ball by Sadilek. A lot of it is opponent, but at least this line up let's us keep pressure on further up field.
I think we have more goals in us, but not quite putting the final touch together. I thought Vydra provided a good outlet early but sort of disappeared after his saved chance. Hlozek still needs to just keep it simpler sometimes.
For sure, and hopefully Krejci II is back soon enough that we no longer need to rely as heavily on Slavia to provide players as they’ve clearly corrupted our medical team. Probably need a managerial change for that to happen though.
It’s so obvious we need a change and Silhavy has yet to pull the trigger. Been very sloppy since the Hlozek goal.
What a terrible stretch this has been. How Silhavy hasn’t intervened is beyond me. We can barely put together any sort of possession.
If we took our chances better I would rate this as great, but good is more than good enough with this opponent. Sadilek was a big upgrade over Kral, and Hlozek got the first international goal jitters out of the way. Otherwise, not too much stands out even if overall performance was mostly good.
Haven't done match ratings in a bit, so my recollections. Vaclik 7 - he didn't have a lot to do, but did it well) Mateju 7 - was very good in defense, but has limited quality up front) Celustka 7.5 - steady throughout Zima 6.5 - 5.5 first half, 7 2nd half + .5 for launching the 2nd goal counter) Wiesner 6 - defensively fine but actively killed numerous attacking possessions with his inability to do more than launch hopeful crosses Sadilek 8.5 - MOTM - tremendous passing and could have had 3 assists if we finished better and worked his ass off even after taking a heavy knock early Soucek 7.5 - better but still a bit fatigued looking at times Vydra 6.5 - 7.5 first 25 minutes and 5 remainder of half. The first of several missed breakaways although his was IMO the toughest with the keepers angle. Hlozek 7 - still tries to do too many highlight dribbles and flick passes, but a goal and several attacking possessions Pesek 7.5 - blew a chance and is still kind of a defensive liability as a starter, but otherwise was good. Heavily involved in the first goal and was more successful running at defenders than any other attacking player Schick 7.5 - was a bit sloppy in possession, blew a breakaway, still had a goal and assist. Pavelka 7 - Felt his presence let Sadilek get more involved in attacking possession early in the 2nd half, but nothing remarkable. the other subs weren't on long enough to rate and we were mostly seeing out time at that point. Belarus are not a good team, but with a lot of injuries and traveling half way to Siberia I'm not going to complain about a comfortable win.
I’d categorize that performance as “good enough” and nothing more. There was generally still a real lack of composure in threatening situations that we simply must capitalize on. I’m admittedly still annoyed with the Wales match, so not as content here. Anyways, looking ahead to our final qualifier against Estonia in November, here’s a few things Silhavy should consider for that game: Convince Kaderabek to rejoin the team to get a runout at leftback. Mateju, Novak, and certainly Havel are not the answer. Be wary of possible yellow card accumulation that might carry over to the playoffs. Current list of players on a yellow card includes: Soucek, Jankto, Kalas, Sadilek, Zima, and Hlozek. Call up fewer Slavia players to avoid the inevitable tampering within our squad through the medical staff. I already know he won’t consider any of these things.
Kaderabek should be our LB anyway. I know he isn't super comfortable there, but he is a good player and we desperately need to fill that spot. Anyway, we have 1 more qualifying game to go. Estonia at home should be a cake walk, but I still want to see our best team possible for that one. We need another 2-0 win at least imo. I just don't trust Belgium not to throw out some B team against Wales on the last day. Belgium are already locked for first so I am not sure why they'd risk their top players.