Euro 2020: Kosovo New Boys can keep Group A Alive

Czech Republic vs Kosova

England might well fancy their chances of topping Group A with a win over Montenegro on Thursday, but while Wembley expects…the fireworks could go off at the Doosan Arena in Plzen.

Euro 2020; Czech Republic vs Kosova looks like the battle for second place in Group A, with the Three Lions three points clear of the Czechs, who in turn are a point ahead of their visitors. Jaroslav Silhavy has his Czech team in good shape, as the only nation to take points from England in this campaign, and a win over Kosovo will see them through to Euro 2020.

But Kosovo head coach Bernard Challandes has done a superb job with his fledgling side, they are tough to beat, and if they can frustrate the Czechs, then Silhavy’s side may need to beat Bulgaria away in their final game to make the finals, and that is no easy ride.

Talking Points

Beating England gives Czechs belief

The Czechs inflicted a first qualifying defeat on England in ten years when they dispatched the Three Lions 2-1 a month ago at the Eden Arena. England were uncharacteristically lacklustre and the Czechs took full advantage, 30-year-old debutant Zdenek Ondrasek had all the space he needed to fire home the winner with five minutes remaining.

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Premier League

While it wasn’t likely to scupper England’s hopes of winning Group A, the result certainly gave the Czechs a grip on second place; and it’s no surprise to see the Czech Republic vs Kosovo betting odds pointing to a home win on Thursday, but Silhavy will be taking nothing for granted.

His squad contains seven Slavia Prague players, including 24-year-old midfield star Tomas Soucek, but the big name in his team is the man between the sticks. Czech keeper Tomas Vaclik is having a good season at Sevilla as the Andalusians are in the mix at the top of La Liga, and he’ll be in good spirits, having helped his side to win the Seville Derby last Sunday, beating Real Betis 1-2.

Kosovo read to ruffle feathers

Their nation only declared independence in 2008, after years of conflict in the former Yugoslavia, but the Kosovo football team has a real chance of qualifying for Euro 2020. Their Swiss boss Challandes has already won a reputation for his fiery temperament but he can be proud of his achievements since Kosovo was admitted to FIFA in 2016.

Kosovo found themselves in Pot 5 of the qualification seedings, alongside the likes of Faroe Islands and Luxembourg, and behind Group A rivals Montenegro and Bulgaria who they have beaten in style. They can leapfrog the Czech Republic with a win on Thursday, and they will go for it. They gave England a real fright at Wembley when Valon Berisha put them ahead on 35 seconds. The Three Lions roared back to lead 5-1 at the break, but two early second-half goals gave Kosovo the impetus while England looked increasingly uncomfortable.

Their most capped player is Hellas Verona defender Amir Rrahmani with 27 caps, one more than his captain, Torino goal-keeper Samir Ujkani, While Fenerbahce striker Vedat Muriqi has eight goals from 23 caps, four in this competition.

History

While Kosovo are Europe’s new boys, the Czechs have pedigree, as runners up at Euro 1996 in England, only losing out to Germany by way of a Golden Goal. And they will be looking for some retribution after Kosovo completed a stunning fightback to defeat them in front of 13,000 delirious fans.

That’s all we have to work on in terms of Czech Republic vs Kosova results but it could give the visitors a slight psychological edge. In fact, that result stretched their undefeated record to 15 games, which only ended when England held out at Wembley.

Zdenek Ondrasek scored in the 85th minute to give Czech Republic the win over England in Euro 2020 match — Czech Republic’s Zdenek Ondrasek celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s second goal against England

One defeat in 18 games is some record for the new boys, but they have another stiff test on the way in Pizen. The Czechs have three successive home wins under their belts; and recent form is comparable, both winning four of the last six.

The Czechs have lost two of those six; in fact, they haven’t drawn any of their last 24 matches.

Betting Tip

	Czech Republic vs Kosova	Draw 1×2 @3.85
	November 15, 03:45 (GMT+8)

So let’s go for a draw!

Kosovo have shown they have enough about them to take on the best, winning the second half against England, and beating the Czech Republic on home soil. I think, as hosts, the Czechs will boss the game but will find Kosovo hard to break down.

Let’s take a look at some other SBOBET odds around the tight match I’m predicting.

Two to three goals is available at 1.74, and on that same theme, a 1-1 draw is the outside bet at odds of 6.20.