Overview
The Czech Republic will return to Prague with the goal of winning a ticket to the World Cup for the first time since 2006, after missing four consecutive tournaments.
Under the guidance of coach Miroslav Koubek, this team had an impressive qualifying campaign when they won 16 points after 8 matches, ranking second in the group. The peak was the 6-0 victory over Gibraltar, creating psychological momentum before the play-off round.
In the semi-finals, the Czech Republic defeated the Republic of Ireland after a breathtaking match. Patrik Schick and Ladislav Krejci scored in turn to drag the match into extra time, before Matej Kovar shined in the penalty shootout and Jan Kliment took the decisive shot.
With home advantage and stable form, they are aiming for their fourth consecutive victory in all competitions, which is also the final step to return to the World Cup stage.
However, the challenges ahead are not small. Denmark entered this match with the ambition to win a ticket to the World Cup for the third consecutive time. Although unable to win a direct ticket when overcome by Scotland, Brian Riemer's team showed strength in the play-off round.
The 4-0 victory over Northern Macedonia is a clear confirmation. Mikkel Damsgaard opened the score, before Gustav Isaksen scored a double and Christian Norgaard sealed the victory.
Denmark's explosive form in the second half shows that they are in the best condition at the right time.
The match in Prague is therefore not only a battle for a World Cup ticket, but also a showdown between the desire to return of the Czech Republic and the stability of an experienced Denmark.
Personnel situation
The Czech Republic is likely not to change the squad used in the victory over the Republic of Ireland. However, names like Tomas Soucek, Michal Sadilek, Stepan Chaloupek and Jan Kliment are still competing for a starting spot after impressing from the bench.
A notable loss is the absence of Vaclav Cerny due to injury. However, Pavel Sulc is emerging as a reliable replacement, especially with his impressive scoring performance in Lyon's colors.
In defense, Ladislav Krejci continues to play the role of leader and will wear the captain's armband, while Patrik Schick is still the main spearhead with a stable scoring record in the national team jersey.
On the other side, Denmark may maintain the same squad after the impressive victory over Northern Macedonia, but their forces are being significantly affected.
Key players such as Kasper Schmeichel, Andreas Christensen, Rasmus Kristensen, Patrick Dorgu and Jannik Vestergaard are all absent due to injuries.
In addition, Philip Billing, Yussuf Poulsen and Andreas Skov Olsen also could not participate, forcing coach Brian Riemer to make adjustments.
Good news is that Joachim Andersen may return after suspension and is likely to immediately be in the starting lineup to strengthen the defense.
In attack, Rasmus Hojlund will lead the front line, with the support of Damsgaard and Gustav Isaksen - two players who are in high form.
Expected lineup:
Czech Republic: Kovar, Holes, Krejci, Hranac, Coufal, Provod, Soucek, Jurasek, Schick, Chory, Sulc.
Hermansen, Bah, Norgaard, Andersen, Maehle, Hjumland, Hojbjerg, Isaksen, Froholdt, Damsgaard, Hojlund.
The match between Czech Republic and Denmark takes place at 1:45 am on April 1 (Vietnam time).
