Euro 2008
2007-11-17 - Czech Republic vs Slovakia
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
17 November 2007 20:30 CET
Sparta Stadium - Prague
There's no qualification spots to play for in this match as group D is "done and dusted" with the Czech Republic and Germany confirmed through to the finals - but there will still be plenty to play for here.
The dissolution of Czechoslovakia into the nations of the Czech Republic and Slovakia took effect on January 1, 1993 and occurred without violence.
Both countries were admitted to the European Union in 2004.
When the two sides clashed in the reverse fixture in Bratislavia in 2006 the Czech Republic were clearly on top as they scored twice before halftime on their way to a fairly easy 3-0 win.
(see UEFA Video Report highlights here)
TEAM NEWS
Czech Rep : Petr Cech and left-back Marek Jankulovski miss out for the Czech Republic.
Slovakia : Coach Jan Kocian has called up Juraj Halenar and also recalled AC Sparta Praha midfielder Karol Kisel.
THE STATS
The Czech Republic have been hugely impressive at home since the turn of the century, winning 18 of 22 games losing only to Germany and the Netherland in the last three home campaigns.
Czech Republic Home Form (4-0-1)
12/09/07 W 1-0 v Ireland
28/03/07 W 1-0 v Cyprus
24/03/07 L 1-2 v Germany
07/10/06 W 7-0 v San Marino
02/09/06 W 2-1 v Wales
Slovakia are a mid-tier nation when playing on the road with a 7-4-8 record since 2001.
Slovakia Away Form (2-0-2)
06/06/07 L 1-2 v Germany
28/03/07 L 0-1 v Ireland
24/03/07 W 3-1 v Cyprus
07/10/06 W 5-1 v Wales
Head to Head Form
06/09/06 Slovakia 0-3 Czech Republic
THE VERDICT
There is a big gap between these two neighbours in terms of playing talent and depth. And with qualification already assured there is no pressure on the Czech side.
That means that this should be a competitive derby encounter - and it seems to me that the home side hold all the aces.
The Pick :
Czech Republic 2-0 Slovakia
