Holes and Schick give Czech Republic historic victory over the Netherlands

Euro 2020 Round of 16
Netherlands 0-2 Czech Republic
Sunday June 27, Ferenc Puskas Stadium, Budapest

Goals: Czech Republic - Holes (68), Schick (80)

RPL Players: Netherlands - Quincy Promes (Spartak); Czech Republic - Alex Kral (Spartak)

The Czech Republic came out winners in an enthralling fixture in Budapest, shocking much of the football community by beating a very dynamic Dutch outfit. There wasn’t a lot to remember about the first half apart from a couple of missed chances for both sides; one in particular for Czech midfielder Antonin Barak looked like a surefire goal.

After an exciting yet goalless second half, Russian ref Sergey Karasev sent Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt off for a contentious handball. This threw a spanner in the works for Dutch manager Frank de Boer, who brought on Spartak Moscow winger Quincy Promes soon after. Finally, the Czechs took the lead from a well worked corner after defensive midfielder Tomas Holes headed into a virtually empty net. 12 minutes later, Patrick Schick continued his hot streak at Euro 2020 by sliding one past Stekelenburg, thus breaking Dutch hearts.

Promes’ Spartak teammate Alex Kral was subbed on in an effort by the away side to see out their lead, which they duly did.

Jaroslav Silhavy’s men held on for a historic victory, and will now face Denmark in Baku on 3rd July.