Czech Republic were lucky to salvage one point from Scotland, but they now need to get at least one point against mighty Spain in order to keep their qualifying hopes alive. La Furia Roja are already through after winning all six qualifiers, but there are no doubts Vicente Del Bosque’s men will be looking to win this game as well.

The Czechs still struggling

The national team have experienced numerous problems in the last decade, that is ever since their golden generation retired from international football. Czech Republic still have several very good players in the squad, such as Milan Baros, Tomas Rosicky and Jaroslav Plasil, to name just a few, but they seem to lack that spirit of togetherness that was one of the key features of the aforementioned golden generation. Michal Bilek’s side have been far from impressive in the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, having lost to Lithuania at home, although they did show some promise in the away games against Spain and Scotland. Having said that, the Czechs needed a big help from the referees to prevent Scotland from winning the game at Hampden, and they are now set to face one of world’s best national teams, so no doubts they face an uphill task.

With no fresh injuries to report, Michal Bilek will be able to choose from a fully fit squad. Petr Cech returns after missing the Scotland game through injury.

6 out of 6

Spain have continued the rich vein of form after winning the 2010 World Cup title and they have long ago secured their place at the Euro 2012. Vicente Del Bosque’s side had some problems in friendly games, recording heavy defeats to Argentina and Portugal, but they made no slip ups in competitive games, once again proving they are the best national team in the world. While La Furia Roja will not have much to play for in the final two group games, they are likely to take the games very seriously as these are likely to decide who wins the second place in the group. Spain will be without several first team regulars in Czech Republic, but there are no doubts that the players who start the game will be very motivated to impress the manager and prove they deserve a place at the final tournament. All things considered, Spain should be able to keep their 100% record.

Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and Alvaro Negredo are all out, whereas Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol are lacking match fitness.

Verdict

There is no doubt that Czech Republic will be very motivated to win this game and thus make a giants step towards a place in the play-offs, but I really doubt the hosts have what it takes to beat even an under strength Spain side. La Furia Roja may be missing Puyol, Iniesta and Fabregas, but Villa, Silva, Mata, Xavi and others will be in the side, so away win looks on the cards here.

Our prediction: Away win

Odds: 1.80 (4/5)

Bookmaker: William Hill