Netherlands 0-2 Czech Republic
The Czech Republic pulled off an upset at Euro 2020 as they beat the Netherlands in their Round of 16 clash.
Jaroslav Šilhavý’s side made the Dutch pay after Matthijs de Ligt was sent off for a foolish last-man challenge on Patrik Schick.
The first half ended 0-0 with both sides failing to create clear goalscoring opportunities. However, the game turned on its head when de Ligt was sent off for an intentional handball.
Tomas Holes gave the underdogs the lead as the one-man advantage was the telling difference. The Czech headed home in the 68th minute before Schick made sure of the win after 80 minutes.
Holes put in a match-winning performance as he assisted Schick’s goal to knock out the Dutch who won all three of their group games.
Czech Republic are currently ranked 40th in the world so it is no small task to beat the 16th-best nation.
They have now set up a clash against the mighty Danes who crushed Wales 4-0. There would not have been many who would have predicted these two sides to feature in the quarterfinals of Euro 2020.
De Ligt takes responsibility for loss at Euro 2020
Netherlands will be disappointed as they looked threatening at times to score but the red card pushed them back. De Ligt’s bad decision cost them the match and he lives to regret it.
Speaking to NOS, the Juventus centre-back said: “We actually lost because of my action, that feels very annoying. Of course, this is bad. We had the game under control and then a ball comes, I let it bounce, which in hindsight was not good, I got a light push and fell, after which I handled it. In the end, this moment changes the game and I can’t let that happen to me. I watched the last few minutes as the team struggled. I really blame myself.
“I didn’t feel like it slipped out of our hands. We were in control and had some chances in the first half. In the second half, of course, we had the one on one with the keeper. The red card made the difference. The Czech Republic is a physically strong team that does not shy away from duels. We had a hard time with that. It was a 50-50 match where the red card made the difference.
“This European Championship was a golden opportunity, but if you’re eliminated like that, it’s very painful. We did well in the group stage. Then you fly out in the last-16 against the Czech Republic. That’s very sour.”
