The Netherlands Offense Disappears
A team that was deemed to have one of the fastest and high scoring offenses in the Euros, The Netherlands scored 8 times in the three group stage games, putting 18 shots on net. On Sunday, the Dutch could not generate any offense. The goal scoring opportunities were few and far between and The Netherlands only generated 6 total shots and zero shots on target. Outside of one Donyell Malen break away in the 2nd half, the Czech Republic keeper, Tomáš Vaclík, was barely tested.
The day went from disappointing to horrendous in the 55th minute when Matthijs de Ligt stumbled just outside of his 18-yard box trying to shield off a Schick goalscoring opportunity. As he fell, de Ligt slapped the ball to the ground with his hand and was sent off with a red card. Down a man, the Dutch began to look outmatched and conceded a goal in the 68th minute. Czech Republic added another goal just 12 minutes later and Netherlands fell 0-2.
Netherlands are the first team since the Dutch themselves at EURO 2008 to win 100% of their group stage games and then lose in regular time in the very first knockout round. Russia beat them 3-1 back in 2008.
Schick Dominating Euro 2020
In what was a commanding 2-0 win, Patrik Schick continued his dominance and added his 4th goal of the tournament in the 80th minute against the Dutch. Schick got ahead of his marker and buried his shot into the bottom left corner of the net, making it his 15th goal in 30 appearances for the Czech Republic. Schick’s 4 goals now trails only Portgual’s, Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 5 goals scored for the Euro 2020 Golden Boot.
What’s next for Czech Republic?
In what will be a rematch of the EURO 2004 quarterfinals, the Czech will face off with Denmark on July 3rd in Baku.