Czech Republic vs Spain – 05/06/2022
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The Czech Republic find themselves two points clear of Spain in UEFA Nations League Group A2 as the two sides prepare to do battle in Prague on Sunday.
Spain drew 1-1 with Portugal in their opening game, despite racking up 61% possession and 11 shots on Thursday.
? RESUMEN | Destellos de gran calidad en el empate entre España y Portugal.
➡️ Disfruta AQUÍ de los goles y el resumen más completo: https://t.co/17lF5RHjTp#VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/2QYurxoKox
— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) June 2, 2022
Meanwhile, the Czech Republic beat Switzerland 2-1 to kick of their campaign with a win. Can they upset the odds against Spain?
Although the Czechs saw just 37% of the ball on Thursday, they managed to fend off Switzerland to claim all three points on home soil.
After Jan Kuchta gave the hosts the lead, Noah Okafor equalised on the stroke of half-time before Djibril Sow scored an own goal midway through the second half.
The Czech Republic have lost just one of their previous eight matches across all competitions, picking up four wins and three draws in the process.
Having claimed three clean-sheet victories in their past six outings, they will fancy their chances of frustrating Spain.
As for the Spaniards, they dominated Portugal but were unable to claim all three points in their opening clash.
Alvaro Morata gave his country the lead midway through the first half. However, Ricardo Horta equalised for Portugal with on eight minutes left on the clock.
Although Thursday’s draw ended a run of four straight wins for Spain, they are still enjoying a five-game unbeaten streak.
When you look at the bigger picture, Luis Enrique’s side have lost just one of their last nine games – securing seven wins and one draw in the process.
Head-to-head: The Czech Republic and Spain have faced each other five teams over the years, with the Spaniards claimed four wins and one draw.
Spain have kept four clean sheets in five games against the Czechs, while the Czechs have scored a solitary goal in reply.
Team news: With star striker Patrik Schick sidelined through injury, Jan Kuchta looks set to lead the line for the Czech Republic on Sunday.
On the flip side, Spain will be without Manchester City’s Aymeric Laporte and Barcelona’s Pedri due to injury. Unai Simon remains Enrique’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Although the Czech Republic kicked off their campaign with a win, they are expected to struggle against Spain.
Forebet predicts that Spain will score over 1.5 goals and keep a clean sheet on their way to dispatching the Czechs.
