Hello and welcome back to our live blog as Czechia take on Denmark in the FIFA World Cup play-off, with all the action set to unfold shortly, stay tuned for live updates from this crucial clash.
Hello and welcome back to our live blog as Czechia take on Denmark in the FIFA World Cup play-off, with all the action set to unfold shortly, stay tuned for live updates from this crucial clash.
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Czechia: Kovar (GK), Krejci, Hranac, Chaloupek, Zeleny, Coufal, Darida, Soucek, Provod, Schick, Sulc
Denmark: Hermansen (GK), Maehle, Bah, Nelsson, Andersen, Hojbjerg, Hjulmand, Damsgaard, Froholdt, Isaksen, Hojlund
We’re underway and it’s already lively.
Czechia come out with intent and win an early corner just 3 minutes in, with Joachim Andersen forced to put it behind.
No settling in here, straight into the action.
Czechia draw first blood and it’s come very early in this one. Pavel Šulc makes the corner count, finishing clinically to put them ahead. Denmark are caught cold here and already under pressure in a game where chasing is the last thing they wanted.
Tension building around the 15-minute mark as Vladimír Darida goes in late and brings down Gustav Isaksen. Denmark get a free-kick and a chance to push forward, trying to shake off that early setback.
Ohhh, tempers starting to show now. Around the 21st minute, Victor Nelsson goes into the book after a clumsy challenge. Denmark looking a bit rattled here, and Czechia won’t mind that one bit.
Czechia with another chance to test the keeper as Matej Kovar steps up for a direct free-kick. A decent position this, and Denmark will be wary with Czechia already looking dangerous from set-pieces.
Denmark try to respond as Mikkel Damsgaard lets one fly from distance, but it sails high and wide. Rasmus Hojlund was involved in the build-up, but they can’t make it count. A sign of intent, though, Denmark are starting to push.
Czechia get another set-piece opportunity and Vladimir Coufal lines up a direct free-kick. Denmark staying alert this time, knowing how dangerous Czechia have already been from these situations.
Denmark come close to a response before the break. After Mikkel Damsgaard’s free-kick is cleared, it drops kindly for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in a dangerous spot. He tries to curl it into the top corner, mirroring Pavel Šulc’s earlier strike, but there’s too much on it and it flies well wide.
Half-time and Czechia head into the break with a 1-0 lead. Pavel Šulc’s early strike from a corner remains the difference in a tightly contested half.
Denmark have had their moments, with Mikkel Damsgaard and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg both trying from distance, but they’ve lacked precision. Czechia, meanwhile, look more dangerous, especially from set-pieces, and hold a deserved edge so far.
Second half is up and running with Czechia still 1-0 ahead, and Denmark immediately look to go direct. Rasmus Hojlund tries to break through the line but is caught offside.
A quick reminder of Denmark’s intent, but the timing just not right.
Denmark keep knocking on the door as Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg takes a shot, but it’s well blocked by the Czechia defence. Pressure building now, and Denmark are starting to push Czechia deeper.
Denmark come forward again with Morten Hjulmand getting an attempt away after a dangerous delivery from Mikkel Damsgaard. Rasmus Hojlund just can’t get on the end of it, though, and Matej Kovar gathers comfortably.
Denmark are asking questions now, but the finish is still missing.
Czechia give away a free-kick in a dangerous area as Ladislav Krejčí brings down Rasmus Højlund. A real chance here for Denmark to finally make something count from a set-piece.
GOOOOAL! Denmark are back in it.
Mikkel Damsgaard whips in a dangerous free-kick and Joachim Andersen rises highest to glance it past Matej Kovar. All that pressure finally pays off, it’s 1-1 and game on.
Denmark make a late attacking change as Gustav Isaksen makes way for Anders Dreyer. Fresh legs on with time running out, they’re going for it.
Late drama building as Vladimír Coufal steps up to take a corner for Czechia. A big moment this with the game finely poised, one delivery could decide it.
We’re into extra time with the score locked at 1-1, and Czechia waste no time making changes as Tomáš Chorý comes on for Patrik Schick. They win a corner soon after, with Christian Norgaard putting it behind, pressure right away as extra time begins.
Czechs make a change before the start. They want to regain control by bringing on Tomas Chory for Patrik Schick.
Ladislav Krejcí gives Czechia the lead! The Wolves defender is on the far side of the Denmark goal and his prodded strike is deflected in by Alexander Bah.
We are underway in Prague as Czech Republic are 15 minutes from a place at the World Cup.
Hello, hello! Denmark are level and how! Kasper Hogh levels it up for the Danes and we have a game on our hands now.
Penalties could be on the cards here as DEN make one change as Mathias Jensen comes on for the final five minutes of extra time, replacing Mikkel Damsgaard.
Penalty shoot-out it is!
Another penalty miss for Denmark as this time Anders Dreyer's effort saved but Ladislav Krejcí also sees his spot kick saved so it remains 2-1.
Michal Sadílek fires home his spot kick and Czech Republic are heading to the World Cup!
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