Czech Republic vs Faroe Islands

Doosan Arena forms the backdrop for the Czech Republic’s must-win Euro 2024 qualifier against the doomed Faroe Islands.

After being reduced to ten men already in the first half, the Czech Republic rolled over in Albania in midweek Euro 2024 qualifying action, losing 3-0 as their unbeaten four-game Group E start came to a halt (W2, D2). More importantly, that loss saw them fall behind the top-two sides in their qualifying section, casting doubt on their bid to preserve a 100% qualification ratio since earning independence in 1996! One point behind neighbors Poland at the start of this round, Jaroslav Silhavy’s men still have no reason to panic, considering they have a game in hand and, by extension, hold their fate firmly in their hands. The impending home return should come in handy, with the Czechs racking up five wins in their last six home Euro qualifiers (D1).

Like their hosts, Faroe Islands had to cope with Poland with a man down, which ended poorly for them as they lost 2-0 on home turf, making it five straight Euro 2024 qualifying defeats on the trot since a 1-1 opening-day draw against Moldova. However, the visitors have since lost back-to-back internationals on foreign soil without conceding, increasing the likelihood of a fourth loss on Czech soil on as many visits. Ominously for the Faroes, their last three trips to the country have seen them lose by 2+ goals ‘to nil,’ which renders their quest to post their first away win since May 2022 almost impossible. Adding to a long list of worries, Hakan Ericson’s men have lost four of their last six Euro qualifiers via at least a three-goal margin.