The joy of Czech football players
source: ČTK author: Michal Kamaryt
In contrast to the previous match with Ukraine in Eden, this time the almost sold-out audience was dominated by Czech spectators, approximately two to three thousand Albanian fans arrived.
“I am glad that we managed the match. We played at a high pace, we had the match under control. We would like to continue playing matches like this. In three days we have to be ready and repeat this kind of performance against Ukraine,” said Hašek.
The coach deployed a similar line-up as last time against Ukraine, he made only two forced changes in defense. Holeš and Bořil replaced the injured Zelený and Krejčí, who were serving a suspension for yellow cards.
The experienced back returned to the national team after more than three years and immediately got a chance in the starting eleven.
The Albanians’ starting line-up included midfielder Laci, who played at the stadium of his club Sparta. The second representative of the Leten team in the Balkan team, striker Tuci, started on the bench.
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Editing of the Czech Republic – Albania match
The Czech team started with a great onslaught and opened the scoring in the third minute. After Provod’s center from the left side, Černý has not yet made his mark, but he promptly sent the rebounded ball to Chorý’s back post in a difficult position.
In the 18th minute, he could have cheered up most of the fans at the packed Letné second time Provod, but his technical attempt from beyond the box was blocked by the goalkeeper Strakosh.
Then, for the first time, the Albanians, who, like the Czech team, did not advance from the group at the summer Euros, posed a significant threat.
Černý’s teammate from Glasgow Rangers Bajrami guided the ball for a shot, but it missed the far post by about a meter. In the 43rd minute, Souček buried the ball for Choré, who in a difficult position headed over.
Tomas Sick
source: Reuters author: David W Cerny
Seven minutes after the break, the Albanians could equalize. Černý lost the ball, the visitors got to the break, but Asani shot over from the side in a good position.
In the 63rd minute, the favorite secured the lead. Chorý pounced on Coufal’s brilliant cross from the right side and headed it clear.
For the first time in his national team career, the forward scored two goals in one game and improved his tally to four goals in nine starts for the national team.
“Tomáš Chorý is very valuable to us. Not only because he scored two goals. He has a huge heart, he would do anything for the team,” said Hašek.
Tomáš Chorý in the match with Albania
source: Opta
Tomáš Chorý in the match with Albania
source: Opta
Attacking activity of the Czech team in the match with Albania
source: Opta
The Czechs had a clear advantage in the match against Albania
source: Opta
Shortly afterwards, the second Spartan player in the Albanian Tuci jersey got on the field. In the 76th minute, Asllani could have cut the ball, but goalkeeper Kovář saved the Inter Milan midfielder’s shot right at the post with an excellent save.
Otherwise, the home team controlled the progress. In the 88th minute, substitute Hložek could have increased, but missed after the break. The Hoffenheim striker then narrowly shot over in the set-up, but his team didn’t have to regret it.
The Czech team won against Albania after two matches, in addition to the 0:3 debacle, they drew 1:1 at home with them in the European qualification last year and finished behind them in second place in the group.
Before that, he also defeated the Balkan opponent at Letná 3:1 three years ago in the general round at the previous Euro. At the same time, the Czech team confirmed an excellent record at home, where they lost only one of the last 21 matches.
“I already said before the match that the Czech team is very strong. A physically and tactically advanced opponent, which proved to be the case. Last time in Tirana we beat the Czechs 3:0, now we simply lost to a better team,” said the Brazilian coach of the Albanians, Sylvinho.
Lukáš Provod in the match with Albania
source: Reuters author: David W Cerny
Hašek’s men followed up on the previous victory of 3:2 over Ukraine and won the League of Nations for the second time in a row after the opening debacle 1:4 in Georgia in September.
Thus, they significantly strengthened their chances of promotion to the elite division A, where the winner of the group will go directly. The other team will have a double playoff match.
At the same time, the League of Nations gives the national teams an additional chance to play for participation in the World Cup in 2026. The four best teams that do not succeed in the classic qualification will enter the play-offs for the championship.
On Monday, the national team will close the October meeting with an away match against Ukraine in its home asylum in Wroclaw.
Czech Republic – Albania 2:0 (1:0)
Goals: 3rd and 63. Sick. Referees: Bastien – Zakrani, Berthomieu – Millot (video, all Fr.). ŽK: Hložek – Daku, Sylvinho (coach). Viewers: 17,823.
Czechia: Kovář – Vitík, Holeš, Bořil – Coufal, Souček, Červ (90.+2 Král), Provod (87. Lingr) – Černý (69. Hložek), Šulc (90.+2 Čvančara) – Chorý (87. Kuchta) . Coach: Hasek.
Albania: Strakosha – Hysaj, Ismajli, Kumbulla, Mitaj – Ramadani, Asllani – Asani (65. Hoxha), Laci (77. Seferi), N. Bajrami (87. Muci) – Daku (65. Tuci). Coach: Sylvinho.
