Czech Republic gained a firm grip on Group B of the Under-21 Euro in Denmark by beating Ukraine in their opening game, but they now need to play a great game in order to stay in good position to qualify from this group. La Furia Roja missed a great chance to virtually secure the place in the semis having conceded the late equalizer against England, so they will be looking to make amends in this clash.

Great result for the Czechs

Czech Republic have always recorded great results across various youth sides, but the problem seem to appears when the Under-21 players need to be introduced to the senior side. However, the youth teams keep showing their undoubted potential, with Jakub Dovalil’s side already stalking their claim for the first place in the group. The Czechs didn’t have such an easy job against weakened Ukraine, but they scored two early second-half goals and went on to win the game 2:1. The team now have a very good chance of edging closer to the place in the semis by taking at least one point from the match against Spain, but that is certainly easier said than done. Jakub Dovalil’s side will first have to find the cure for Spain’s slick passing game, which is not going to be easy, especially with several important players struggling with injuries.

Starting keeper Tomas Vaclik picked up a knee injury against Ukraine, but he should start, while Jan Moravek is a major doubt with a groin problem. Milan Cerny is also doubtful after clashing heads with Tomas Horava in training.

Spain missed a great chance

Following their impressive showings in the build up to this tournament, Spain U21 side were seen as one of the main candidates for the trophy in Denmark, and that still remains the case despite the unlucky draw with England. Luis Milla’s side scored early on to gain the upper hand of the tie and just when it looked they would clinch an important victory, Danny Welbeck scored in the dying moments of the match to deny Spain a deserved win. Nonetheless, La Furia Roja will have two more games to clinch the place in the semis and there is no doubt they will be looking to win both of them. With a quality at his disposal, coach Luis Milla has no reason to fear the Czechs and his side remain the favourites to win this match. The first match in this kind of tournament is always very difficult, which is why I expect Spain to play much better than in the opener and record a valuable win.

Iker Muniain is back to contention after recovering from illness, while Ander Herrera, Thiago Alcantara and Juan Mata should all play after shaking off minor knocks.

Verdict

Czech Republic have shown a lot of promise in their opening game against Ukraine, but I still doubt they can match a very good Spain side. La Furia Roja is expected to raise their game and record a win that would put them on course to qualify for the semis.

Our prediction: Away win

Odds: 1.80 (4/5)

Bookmaker: Stan James