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The Czech Republic will kickstart their preparations for this summer's European Championship with a friendly against Malta in Austria on Friday night. This match serves as a crucial tune-up for Ivan Hasek’s side as they gear up for their Euro 2024 opener against Portugal on June 18. Meanwhile, Malta, under the guidance of Michele Marcolini, will be looking to build momentum ahead of their return to competitive action in the UEFA Nations League in September.
Match Preview
Czech Republic's Road to Euro 2024
The Czech Republic, led by head coach Ivan Hasek, have been on a promising trajectory since he resumed his role earlier this year. Hasek has overseen victories in friendlies against Norway and Armenia, instilling a renewed sense of optimism within the squad. Their most recent outing saw them narrowly defeat Armenia 2-1 at the end of March.
This friendly against Malta is part of a series of preparatory matches, with a subsequent game against North Macedonia before the Czech squad heads into the Euro 2024 battlefield. Hasek’s men will also face Georgia and Turkey in Group F, a challenging pool where they are expected to vie with Turkey for the second spot, with Portugal seen as the favorites.
Historically, the Czech Republic has a strong track record in the European Championship, having reached the quarter-finals in two of their last three participations and the semi-finals in 2004. This summer marks their 11th encounter with Malta in international football, where they boast an unbeaten record with eight wins out of ten matches.
Malta's Quest for Progress
On the other side, Malta’s national team, coached by Michele Marcolini, approaches this friendly with a different set of objectives. While they will not be present at Euro 2024, having lost all their qualification matches, the Maltese team is focusing on improving their performance and gaining valuable experience.
Their last competitive match was a 2-0 defeat to England in November 2023, concluding a tough qualification campaign. However, subsequent friendlies have shown signs of progress, with draws against Slovenia and Belarus. Malta will also face Greece in another friendly before turning their attention to the UEFA Nations League in September, starting with a match against Moldova.
Historically, Malta has struggled against the Czech Republic, losing their last five encounters, including a heavy 6-0 defeat in their last friendly in May 2016. Additionally, Malta has faced challenges in away matches, with three consecutive defeats, although they did secure a 1-0 victory over Luxembourg last June, one of their rare wins in recent years.
Key Players to Watch
For the Czech Republic, Tomas Soucek stands out as a pivotal figure. The West Ham United midfielder is known for his aerial prowess, defensive capabilities, and knack for scoring crucial goals. His leadership on the field will be vital as the Czech team fine-tunes their strategy ahead of the Euros.
In defense, Vladimir Coufal provides stability and experience, while the attacking prowess of Patrik Schick, who has been in fine form for Bayer Leverkusen, will be crucial in breaking down the Maltese defense. Schick’s goal-scoring ability and knack for finding space in the box make him a significant threat.
Malta’s hopes will likely rest on the shoulders of Paul Mbong and Ryan Camenzuli, who have shown promise in recent fixtures. Mbong, in particular, has been a bright spot, with his ability to create opportunities and his scoring touch. Meanwhile, veteran defender Steve Borg will be tasked with organizing the backline and keeping the Czech attackers at bay.
Tactical Outlook
Ivan Hasek is expected to deploy a balanced formation, possibly a 4-2-3-1 setup, which provides both defensive solidity and attacking options. The midfield partnership of Soucek and Alex Kral will be essential in controlling the tempo of the game and linking up play between defense and attack. Wingers like Jakub Jankto will be key in stretching Malta’s defense and providing crosses for Schick.
Malta, on the other hand, might opt for a more conservative approach, focusing on a compact defensive structure to frustrate the Czech attackers. A 4-4-2 formation could provide them with the necessary defensive cover while allowing them to exploit counter-attacking opportunities through the pace of Mbong and the creativity of Camenzuli.
Expectations and Predictions
Given the Czech Republic's superior record and the quality within their squad, they are the clear favorites heading into this friendly. However, Malta’s recent improvements suggest that they should not be underestimated. This match will be an opportunity for both teams to test their strategies, with the Czechs fine-tuning their squad ahead of the Euros and Malta building for their Nations League campaign.
A win for the Czech Republic is the likely outcome, but the performance levels and tactical adjustments made by both coaches will be of significant interest. For Hasek, it's about getting his team in peak condition for their clash with Portugal, while for Marcolini, it’s a chance to evaluate his squad and build a resilient unit for future challenges.
Conclusion
As the Czech Republic and Malta face off in this friendly, football fans can look forward to an intriguing clash of styles and ambitions. The Czechs will aim to solidify their preparations for Euro 2024 with a strong performance, while Malta will look to gain confidence and experience. Regardless of the result, this match is an essential step for both teams on their respective journeys, offering valuable insights and opportunities for growth.
