The Czech national team faces a daunting Nations League challenge against Spain on Saturday. Coach Santi Denia's side sits bottom of Group 3 with zero points, while the defending champions are unbeaten in 40 matches and lead the standings with six points.
Current Form
Spain opened their group campaign with a 3-2 win at England before thrashing Croatia 4-1. Their run of five consecutive victories includes wins over Argentina, France, and Belgium from this year's World Cup. The Czech team, in contrast, has lost both of its Nations League matches and has recorded four defeats and one draw in its last five outings. They fell 0-2 to England last Sunday and 1-2 to Croatia prior to that.
Team News
The Czech selection will be without creative midfielder Pavel Šulc, who was sent off against England. Coach Denia must find a solution for this key position. Spanish manager Luis de la Fuente, however, has a full squad available and can rely on his trusted lineup, including forward Lamine Yamal.
Context and Hope
Their last point against Spain came in a 2-2 draw in Prague back in June 2022. "It was good; quite dominant," said Anthony Gordon of his England side's performance against ten-man Czechia on Tuesday. The Czech team desperately needs points to revive hopes of staying in Nations League A. The match kicks off on Saturday, October 3rd at 20:45 CET at the Nuevo Carlos Tartiere stadium.
