czech U21 Coach Bílek Laments Missed Draw After Bulgaria Defeat
SOFIA, Bulgaria – Czech Republic Under-21 coach Jaroslav Bílek expressed regret following a qualifying defeat to Bulgaria, stating, ”If you score a goal, you have to keep it.” The match underscored the challenges facing the Czechs in their quest to reach the 2027 European Championship.
The loss in bulgaria highlights the competitive balance within the qualifying group, where even perceived frontrunners can stumble. The result leaves the czech team needing to maximize points in upcoming matches, notably against group favorite portugal, to maintain realistic qualification hopes. The November fixture against Serbia offers a crucial prospect for planning ahead of that pivotal clash.
Despite the defeat, an experienced coach acknowledged his team earned at least a point. “Every loss hurts in the qualification. I think we had to tie here,” he added.Statistics from the match reveal a dominant performance by Bulgaria, outshooting the Czechs 9-3 in total attempts and controlling possession and corner kicks.
Looking ahead, the Czechs will host Portugal at the Malšovice Arena in Hradec Králové. Coach Koutný emphasized the need for focused preparation, stating, “We have to work and manage both matches.”
Bílek also noted the wider context of the group,pointing to Scotland’s surprising draw in Azerbaijan and Portugal’s dominant 11-0 victory over Gibraltar as evidence of the competition’s unpredictability. “It just shows how balanced the whole group is. Portuguese we have to prepare for,” he concluded.
