Euro 2020: Czech Republic vs Denmark preview

The Euro 2020 has been full of surprises with four big nations already being knocked out in the round of 16 i.e France, Germany, Portugal and Netherlands.

While 3 of the quarter final fixtures still include one each of the “traditional top 7 teams” of Europe, there is one match which will guarantee a place in the semi-finals for an underdog.

Czech Republic were not expected to qualify for the round of 16 after being placed in a tough group. On the back of a few goals from their talisman Patrick Shick, they ended up securing a round of 16 berth as one of the third placed teams.

They shocked the entire world when they beat Netherlands 2-0 and now find themselves one win away from a historic semi-final match.

Denmark started the tournament in the worst possible way as they not only lost the match to minnows Finland, but also suffered mental stress after what happened to Christian Eriksen.

They fought back spectacularly well after that match and although they lost against Belgium, they showed immense grit in their display. They thrashed Russia in the final group game to qualify on goal difference and Wales suffered the same fate as the Russians as Denmark came out as 4-0 victors in the round of 16.

Since Christian Eriksen suffered a heart attack on the pitch, Denmark became everyone second favourite team and they are one win away from a semi-final clash against Ukraine/England. However, they will be up against Czech Republic who are writing a story of their own.

The resilient Czechs want to repeat what they did in Euro 2004. They were one of the best teams in the tournament and reached the semi-finals. The top scorer that year was Milan Baros and since many big teams have been knocked out, Patrick Shick has a great opportunity of bagging that award.

Previously, these sides have met twice at the Euros and Czech Republic have won both times. Five of the last six encounters between the pair have ended in a draw.