After the opening set of matchups, expectations for both Czechia and Georgia going forward have altered dramatically.
Despite losing 3-1 at the hands of Turkey, Georgia showed a lot of promise in what was arguably the match of the tournament so far.
Meanwhile, Czechia saw themselves on the wrong end of a narrow 2-1 defeat against Portugal, but their display has given little faith in regards to their success.
Both of these teams went up against superior opponents, but it was Georgia who went into the game looking for a result, while Czechia lined up praying that they could get one.
Now that both of these teams are desperate to get a win in order to keep their hopes alive, will we see a change in dynamics?
-
The battle for midfield superiority
If the first set of games is anything to go by, these sides will line up with very similar formations.
Against Turkey, Georgia lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, relying on their wing-backs to create width in attack, and to make it a back five when defending. Czechia lined up in a 3-1-4-2, with similar reliance on their wingbacks and Tomáš Souček anchoring himself between the midfield and defence.
When both teams are tactically similar, personal battles can often decide the outcome. In this case, winning the midfield battle will be a vital aspect of whichever team will gain a foothold in the game.
Giorgi Kochorashvili for Georgia was incredibly impressive in his match-up against Turkey. Not only did he help stifle the Turkish attack, but his ball carrying and relentless running helped carry his own team forward. He was nearly rewarded for his efforts, but the crossbar denied a late equaliser.
Souček is a strong presence in midfield and his physical nature can give Czechia an advantage in this battle. Against Portugal however, their conservative approach limited his prowess going forward.
Up against Georgia he should be given more freedom, allowing him the chance to showcase his skills as a box to box midfielder.
-
Can Georgia withstand Czechia’s aerial bombardment?
Against Turkey, Georgia’s defence held up strong, taking two Turkish wonder goals to break their resolve. But Czechia will bring an offensive dynamic that Georgia would not have faced in their opening encounter.
That will come from set-piece brutality.
Throughout qualifying, a huge part of the Czech’s offensive approach was their focus on set-pieces. Whether it be from a free kick, a corner or even a throw-in, Czechia represent a major threat when the ball gets launched into their opponents box.
In their opening game, Georgia had no problems dealing with set-piece situations, due in fact to Turkey not having anyone that posed a major threat in that area. Czechia are the opposite in that regard, displaying height throughout the team.
Both Czech strikers, Patrik Schick and Jan Kuchta, stand above six feet tall. Centre-backs Robin Hranáč and Ladislav Krejčí both stand at 190cm. And let's not forget the aforementioned Souček, who just might decide this match on his own at this rate.
Souček is a man mountain and has proven himself to be a world class threat from set-plays in both international and domestic competitions. He has got a strong goalscoring record for his country, including three in qualifying, with the vast majority of them coming from dead ball situations.
If Georgia are to continue a strong defensive performance at the Euros so far, then they will need to be wary not to give Czechia too many opportunities from set-plays.
-
Can Georgia unlock their main man?
For large parts of the opening game, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia remained ineffective. Despite going into the tournament with a strong reputation, he was outshined by his attacking partner, Georges Mikautadze, who looked a much more threatening player going forward.
Kvaratskhelia cut a frustrated figure as he struggled to find enough space on the ball to make an impact. He was often seen dropping deep in an attempt to have an influence on proceedings.
This can often come with the territory of being by far and away your country’s most notable player. Teams will put a specific game plan in place to curb these talents, which is what happened against Turkey’s defence.
Against Czechia, Georgia will have to figure out a way to counter this line of defence. They will need to figure out attacks that will allow him to receive the ball in space, giving him a chance to go one-on-one with a defender or an opening to shoot.
Hopefully for Georgia, the effectiveness of his compatriots in the first game will have an effect on how teams game plan against them going forward.
Opponents including Czechia may be forced to divert their attention elsewhere, giving Kvaratskhelia the space he requires without Georgia having to change much.
-
Expectations
Georgia have already exceeded many expectations for the tournament. Having been expected to be easily outclassed by stronger opponents and go into games with an extremely conservative strategy, they flipped this on its head against Turkey.
It turns out, this was the outcome for Czechia instead. While Czechia may showcase a stronger team in this contest, Georgia could be the side taking the initiative.
Georgia’s talent, both going forward and in defence, is a lot stronger than expected. They are not just a one-man show. Instead, they have a number of capable talents and an aggressive style of play that will push opponents to their limits.
On the other hand, Czechia did not make a great attacking effort against Portugal and a display like that can emanate around the team. Their reluctance to attempt to engage in a football match might just reveal their intentions for their upcoming games. Defend, and hope they can snatch a goal against the run of play.
Most likely, from a set-piece.
