Czech Republic versus Denmark EURO 2020 Preview:
Hjulmand and Šilhavý take centre stage

Denmark and the Czech Republic kick-off the second day of quarter-final action at EURO 2020, with the sides going to battle in Baku at 17:00.

Kasper Hjulmand’s Danes reached the last eight by eliminating Wales in the previous round, with goals from Martin Braithwaite, Joakim Maehle, and Kasper Dolberg (twice) proving decisive in Amsterdam.

Before their 4-0 win over Wales, Denmark was forced to battle adversity during the group stage.

Having opened their European Championship campaign with back-to-back losses against Finland and Belgium, the Danes punched their ticket to the knockout rounds by defeating Russia 4-1 in Copenhagen.

Although the European champions of 1992 remain without talisman playmaker Christian Eriksen, the Danish national team has rallied in his absence. Hjulmand’s side presses higher up the field than previously, with Braithwaite’s energy instrumental to Denmark’s new approach.

Mikkel Damsgaard’s rise to prominence has also provided Denmark with a boost. The 20-year-old completed nine progressive carries against Belgium, underscoring his credentials as an attack-minded winger with elite potential.

However, the Sampdoria prospect faces a difficult task in the quarter-finals. West Ham duo Vladimír Coufal and Tomáš Souček have excelled in the colours of their national team, with the Czech Republic on a fine run of form.

Until Switzerland’s upset of France, Jaroslav Šilhavý was credited with overseeing the shock of the round of sixteen following the Czech Republic’s 2-0 win over the Netherlands.

Although Matthijs de Ligt’s dismissal played a role, the Czech’s surprise win in Budapest followed impressive form in Group D. Šilhavý’s side opened their run at EURO 2020 with a 2-0 win over Scotland before drawing with Croatia. Even defeat against England did little to dampen optimism in Prague, the Czech Republic believes in its team.

"We have been following Denmark games throughout the tournament and know how they play,” Czech midfielder Antonín Barák told reporters on Tuesday. “They have a well-balanced team and play an interesting style which is very demanding."

In a similar vein, Czech assistant coach Jiří Chytrý paid tribute to Denmark’s approach during his pre-match press availability.

"Diamonds can cut diamonds,” Chytrý remarked following touchdown in Baku. “Both teams base their football on teamwork and intense bursts of pace. Both try to counter opponents' higher individual skills using these assets, too. We have similar weapons."

Perhaps the most dangerous weapon at the Czech Republic’s disposal is 25-year-old forward Patrik Schick. Although his second-half wondergoal versus Scotland stole the headlines during the group stage, Schick has performed strongly throughout EURO 2020. He will be a threat against Denmark.

The Danes, however, have plenty in their arsenal to counter the Bayer Leverkusen forward’s talent. Captain Simon Kjær has drawn praise for his performances in defence, while Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has excelled since conceding a soft goal against Finland.

"It's the kind of chance we might never have again, a chance that we have worked incredibly hard for, for a long time,” head coach Hjulmand said of Denmark’s opportunity to reach the final four. “It's a childhood dream. It's many, many years' work for lots of people.

“We want to make the most of it and do everything to the best of our ability, prepare really well, follow through, and see what we have out there and how far that will take us."

For a competition as unpredictable as EURO 2020, this evening’s clash between Denmark and the Czech Republic is particularly difficult to call. A Danish win is the most likely outcome – but it would be foolish to discount Šilhavý’s Czech Republic.

With a place in the semi-finals at stake, tonight's clash in Baku promises to be an enthralling tie. Don’t miss it.