LAST 16
Czech Republic 1 -2 Spain
Soucek 45+2'
Silva 60'
Costa 85'
Lewis McWilliam
Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland
Tuesday 30th June
As I took my usual perch in the allocated press seats a few hours before tonight’s encounter, I allowed myself a brief moment of reflection. I often find the immersive nature of covering the championships is such that games can fly by, leaving a feeling of melancholy as it comes to an end. The venue for tonight’s game; Hampden Park, Glasgow, holds endless memories for me, both as a nerve-shredded supporter and in my present role as a reporter. It feels self-absorbed to delve into the former experiences as a prelude to tonight’s encounter. Spain Vs Czech Republic has little relevancy or attachment to Hibs trials, tribulations and eventual triumph in the Scottish Cup. However, an awareness of the history and with that, memories this venue holds for so many over the years is imperative.
These stretch back a good 117 years after all. The present curved form of the ground appears much the same as the third and final version opened in 1903. The clear and obvious difference is the swathes of concrete terracing are no longer, replaced by blue and red seats. In turn, the near 150,000 that once stood here to see Scotland take on the ‘Auld Enemy’ pre-war in ’37 shall never be seen again. Still, a present-day capacity crowd of over 50,000 is expected for tonight's game. I’m hoping the camaraderie and atmosphere I enjoyed on my flight over from Bilbao is carried into the Spanish crowd tonight. Chants of ‘La Furia Roja’ seemed quickly to turn to ‘La Furia Roja campiones del Euro,’ after a few cervezas were consumed by an exuberant trio sat in the row behind.
For that to be a possibility you get the feeling Spain will need to tighten up at the back. That may not be in the Spanish psyche, nor a sentiment that will excite the Spanish fans here in Glasgow tonight. However, the four goals shipped in their final two games in Group E is undoubted testimony to that. On paper, the Czechs may not suggest the strongest of opposition, however, with quality sides left in the tournament a more measured approach from Enrique’s men may be the way forward. The Czechs' appearance in the last 16 is a perfect example of where opinion on the enlarged nature of the Euros is divided. Some may say a place in the knock-out after four points from a possible nine is rewarding mediocrity. Others have argued that dangling hope that a third-place finish in the groups might just suffice leads to more meaningful games towards the business end of the groups. I err on the side of the latter, and I’m sure would do with stronger vigour if it was the Scottish players in place of the Czechs in action here tonight. Still, time to dry my eyes and focus on what had the makings of an intriguing encounter. Sniff, sniff.
It was a surprise perhaps to many in the Spanish end tonight to see Luis Enrique adopt a more cautious, verging on defensive line up. 4-5-1 can be adopted and played in many styles. However, with Barcelona’s Sergi Roberto a surprise call-up on the right and Bayern’s Thiago on the left there was an apparent lack of width in the side. Costa started as the lone striker instead of Morata, perhaps with a view to combating the Czechs somewhat robust approach.
For the Czechs it was a 4-2-3-1 approach with the formidable Zdenek Ondrasek the match-winner against England leading the line.
The first half began in a not too surprising manner given the deluge of changes made by the Spanish coach. ‘La Roja’ appeared somewhat disjointed for the most part. Coaches can instil confidence in a side, through an expired team talk or showing faith in players' ability despite errors. No one could deny there had been mistakes in Spain’s exploits in Group E. Yet the number of changes in personnel made seemed to filter in a negative fashion to the players on the pitch. In the 27th minute for example, Roberto played a neat ball in field to the energetic Niguez. Anticipating a dart forward, the Atletico man played a pass into space behind the Czech backline. Perhaps indicative of the defensive approach, Roberto was nowhere to be seen, as if a gushing nose-bleed would have occurred from being so high up.
Despite their troubles in Group E this was not what was expected from the three-time Euro Champions. In truth, Czech Republic were a limited attacking force themselves in the first half busying themselves with closing down space in midfield. This, nonetheless, is an undervalued quality in the modern game. The towering presence of on-loan West Ham United pivot 6 ft 4 pivot Tomas Soucek manfully stuck to this task. He alone seemed tasked with man-marking Busquets and did so with aplomb. Indeed, it was this very man that silenced the Spanish faithful on the cusp of half time.
The whistle was in the referee’s mouth, the oranges sliced and ready for consumption, when the big man charged forward for only the Czech’s second corner. De Gea in the Spanish goal kicked the frame of the goal as if anticipating his attention would be required. That it was as a floated ball was struck into the Spanish box from the right by the left boot of Jankto. De Gea came yet so did Soucek, and it was the former that got the crucial glance. This faintest of touch and the ball gathered pace, rebounded of the under side of the bar and into the net. Scottish droplets left the net and exploded into the night’s air. The blue and red clad players ran in unison to the corner flag to salute the jubilant Czechs. Their celebration seemed a fitting way to mark a first half in which their lead was just dessert for an energetic, cohesive performance.
A lead was all it was though and despite Spain’s lack of cohesion one look at the bench was sufficient to know they had the fire power to turn the game on its head. Perhaps the real question mark was over the mental side of the game. Whispers from the Spanish press in near proximity suggested that the senior ranks in the side had taken issue with Enrique’s man-management, or lack-of as was the utterances. Still, with a turn-around required, a double substitution was made, Niquez made way for Morata who took place next to his present team-mate at Atletico whilst Rodri was sacrificed for Navas.
The impact was instantaneous. Wave after wave of Spanish attack followed culminating in the inevitable equaliser on the hour mark. Oddly, it came about after a fleeting Czech attack had broken down. Ramos, the interceptor of this, fed Silva in the middle of the park. A jink to the left, a jink to the right followed and a slid ball into the path of Costa on the edge of the box. The pass was almost instantly returned, and the diminutive playmaker wriggled his way through the Czech defence when it seemed a physical impossibility. Vaclik, in the Czech goal, was baring down and Silva opted to take him on. The deftest of clips lifted the ball over the outstretched glove of the keeper whose mouth gaped open and time stood still. Someone, somewhere, pressed play and the ball caressed the back of the net. Cue an eruption of joy and relief in the Spanish end. Enrique even managed a clenched fist in celebration. If not relaxed, he looked visibly more at ease on the touch line for the first time since the opening game of the tournament.
All the momentum was with the Spanish now and the inevitable second came. However, they were made to wait as the plucky Czechs defended in courageous style. Five minutes to go, and the tireless Costa broke the resistance after being man handled in the box by the over-exuberant Czech captain Suchy. Desperate to not allow Costa a free header from Spain’s 14th corner, he succeeded in doing that. However, hauling the forward to the Hampden turf as the ball was floated in was perhaps not in his remit. The referee’s whistle was inevitable and Costa’s thumping lace was enough.
Job done for Enrique’s enigmatic men, but only just. A mouth-watering tie against Portugal awaits in Rome. For the Czechs, plaudits aplenty for a courageous display which fell just short.
Man of the Match : David Silva
Attendance : 51, 466