Netherlands vs Czech Republic preview: Surprise packages go head-to-head

Round of 16: Netherlands vs Czech Republic, kick-off 5pm (UK time, ITV)

In many ways, this evening’s last-16 match between the Netherlands and the Czech Republic is a battle of the underdogs.

After all, Frank de Boer’s Dutch outfit were not considered to be one of the stronger teams at Euro 2020 ahead of the tournament.

Yet three wins from three saw them breeze through Group C in top spot.

The Czech Republic were similarly unfancied after being placed in a difficult group containing England, Croatia and Scotland — but they exceeded expectations by qualifying with a game to spare.

The story so far

The Netherlands had a slight scare in their opener against Ukraine after throwing away a 2-0 lead but came back to win the match.

They followed that up with a convincing 2-0 victory over Austria before hitting North Macedonia for three without reply — though it has to be said their final group clash was not quite as straightforward as the scoreline suggests.

Jaroslav Silhavy’s Czech side got off to a dream start, silencing Hampden Park as they ran out 2-0 winners against Scotland.

They took the lead against Croatia in their next game but were pegged back and had to settle for a draw. 

The Czech Republic then lost 1-0 to England, leaving them in third place.

Schick to put on a show?

Patrik Schick started the European Championship like a man with a point to prove.

The Bayer Leverkusen striker expertly guided a header past David Marshall to open his account and netted a stunner from just inside the Scotland half.

But he has been on the periphery since then. 

Schick managed just one shot on target in the matches against Croatia and England — and that arrived via his goal from the penalty spot in the 1-1 draw with the Croats.

As evidenced by his touch map above, he has barely been involved in the penalty area.

But the 25-year-old is still a potential match-winner and the Netherlands will need to keep tabs on the clinical poacher.

Gini out of the bottle

De Boer may field two attackers but his greatest goal threat continues to be Gini Wijnaldum.

The Dutch captain has three goals already — a total only Cristiano Ronaldo can better.

He leads the way for open-play goals and could even have more to his name.

The former Liverpool man spurned a great opportunity to complete his hat-trick against North Macedonia and he will no doubt be on the prowl against the Czech Republic as he looks to add to his tally.

Who partners Depay?

Wout Weghorst started the Netherlands’ Euro 2020 campaign as Memphis Depay’s strike partner.

He scored in the win over Ukraine and created one of the best chances for the Dutch to break the deadlock against Austria in the first half, when he cushioned a cross into the path of Barcelona-bound Depay.

The giant Wolfsburg striker is not the most aesthetically pleasing player but he is effective when used properly.

In contrast, Donyell Malen is a much more similar player to Depay.

They should not necessarily work well in tandem but have looked dangerous when paired together.

The PSV ace, 22, registered an assist off the bench against Austria and had a hand in two of the three goals against North Macedonia.

He has made a strong case to be in de Boer’s starting line-up tonight. 

Denzel’s delight

Believe it or not, Denzel Dumfries is ranked fourth for non-penalty expected goals per 90 at the Euros — only Kai Havertz, Marko Arnautovic and Ronaldo can better his average of 0.75.

He has been a revelation for the Dutch as a marauding right wing-back.

The PSV star has had more touches in the opposition box than he has had in his own.

He notched the winner against Ukraine, won a penalty and scored the second against Austria. He also missed a gilt-edged chance in the win over North Macedonia.

The 25-year-old is like no other wing-back at the Euros.

In many ways, he is a wildcard — but in a positive sense. His unpredictability gives him an edge and he has a penchant for providing match-winning moments.

The Czech Republic will have to mark him closely, all while nullifying the rest of De Boer's attacking talent. 

It is going to be a tough task for Silhavy’s side.