Soccer is still as curious as ever. And it is that a sport that is played with the feet, the Netherlands – Czech Republic decided on hands. Specifically those of Matthijs De Ligt who, in his attempt to stop Schick in what was the key play of the game, made an unforgivable mistake by clearing the ball with them and condemned his team. The Czech Republic then took the opportunity to send home the Oranje and sign the first big surprise of this European Championship. They are already in the quarterfinals and will play against Denmark.
Rhythm without scares
As the tournament progresses, the margin of error decreases. It is obvious. For this reason, at the beginning of each match, the teams are measured, analyzed. And that in the Netherlands – Czech Republic was clear from the beginning. They were going to meet and then to play. While it is true that the Dutch carried the weight of the game in the early stages, the Czechs were not harassed and this led to very responsible football on the part of both teams. With rhythm but without scares.
Players like Wijnaldum or De Jong were somewhat off and only Memphis and Dumfries, whose note in this Euro is being outstanding, were the vitamin of the Oranje in the attacks.
The Czech Republic, for its part, limited itself to launching the odd counterattack quickly but without aim, two concepts that must be combined in order to translate chances into goals.
And mistakes came and condemned
And if the first part lacked scares, the second had more than enough. Firstly, Vaclik solved that of his team with a save that stopped Malen's goal in a start by the Dutchman in the purest Ronaldo Nazario style, and then that of De Ligt who, incomprehensibly, decided that it was better to stop Schick's attack with his hand. than with a tactical foul. The referee reviewed the play and expelled him condemning De Boer's men to hold their ballot with one less player.
It was then that the Czech Republic saw the crack through which to get the machado and took advantage of it. Holes, after a corner, finished in second option after a bad start from Stekelenburg and put his team ahead with 20 minutes remaining.
From there, the Netherlands trusted everything to their attack and paid for it in a counterattack well carried by the Czechs that Schick closed with a pass to the net. The Czechs had already signed the surprise. They were already in the rooms and starting to dream about everything.