“It is a balanced group that does not have a clear favourite. I think it will be very interesting matches both away and at home,” said coach Jan Suchopárek. According to the still unofficial schedule, the Czechs should start in September in Iceland, followed by a home doubleheader with Wales and Denmark in October. A five-man group could be a bonus , The Lions have only eight duels ahead of them. Unlike the current twenty-one, the new team should have more time for test duels. “These can help improve the playing quality of our team, which is definitely a positive,” said Suchopárek.
“We could have got a tougher group, ours is acceptable. We are glad that the absolute top team from the first basket avoided us: with all due respect to Denmark, which proves at all levels how strong teams can be built. In any case, our big goal – to fight for promotion to the EURO – remains clear,” commented striker Václav Sejk.
????♂️ The lion cubs will face Denmark, Iceland, Wales and Lithuania in the qualification for EURO 2025 in Slovakia ????????????????????????????????????
— Czech national football team (@ceskarepre_cz) February 2, 2023
“Overall, I take the draw positively, we have a decent group. The fact that the championship is in Slovakia in 2025 makes it even more interesting for us in that our fans could also arrive in large numbers and support us right on the spot,” added goalkeeper Antonín Kinský.
And midfielder Kryštof Daněk: “In the group, we may not have a big favorite from the first basket at first glance, but even so I perceive the group as very difficult. We are expecting very balanced matches with all four opponents.”
The Danes, like the Czechs, finished second in the group in the last qualification and did not get past Croatia in the play-off. “Denmark may not be a top team at first glance. But it already played very well in the last qualification,” emphasized coach Suchopárek.
The new twenty-one team will meet Iceland again, which was the opponent of the current team in a successful playoff. “Of course we know Iceland, maybe very well,” smiled Suchopárek. “The opponent was well prepared, he will also go to the qualification with the same coach. Our advantage may be that we know the place logistically from last September, which can help us in an overall good preparation for the match.”
And Wales with Lithuania? “With Wales, typical island football is waiting for us, moreover, it is improving in performance,” Suchopárek described. “Lithuania does not belong to the very top at first glance, but especially in its home environment, it will be unpleasant and dangerous for everyone.”
