Czech footballers are satisfied with the draw of the qualification for promotion to the World Championship in 2022. The representatives welcomed the fact that they got attractive opponents and that at the same time they have a good chance of at least the second place, which means participation in the playoffs. In the five-member group E, the Czech team will face the leader of the FIFA ranking in Belgium, Wales, Belarus and Estonia.
“I would rather be in a six-member group, because this is how two preparatory matches await us. But I’m happy about the teams we will play against. I believe we have a chance to succeed,” Czech midfielder Tomáš Souček said in a media record from the FACR.
“I am personally satisfied, I see it as a good lottery. I believe we have the strength in the team to fight for first or second place. Wales, Belarus and Estonia are rivals we have to win if we want to advance to the World Cup, “added another midfielder Vladimír Darida.
The representatives agreed that Belgium, as the bronze medalist from last year’s World Cup, is a clear favorite of the group. “Belgium now has a very strong team, well-trodden, they have grown up a great generation. They are also the best in the rankings at the moment. So the group’s favorite is clear,” said goalkeeper Tomáš Vaclík.
His teammates believe that Belgium could also be surprised. “I think that we can also play something at home with Belgium. It will be very difficult outside, they have a golden generation now. But it is a good group, I like it,” said Czech midfielder Jakub Jankto. “Belgium is the favorite, I remember a three-year-old mutual match. We lost, but it was a balanced game,” Souček recalled the close 1: 2 defeat from the last mutual duel in preparation for Brussels.
The representatives received Wales from the second basket and can look forward to a duel with the star winger Gareth Bale, who returned to Tottenham in the autumn. “Wales is very attractive, even because of Gareth Bale, who will definitely get back in shape after returning to Tottenham and will have more playing time and well-being,” Vaclík remarked. “I am sure that our current team in Wales has,” Souček added.
The current generation of players in the national team has not yet competed with Wales, Belarus or Estonia. “Apart from the preparatory match in Belgium, I haven’t had a chance to play in any of the teams with any of those teams yet. So I’m curious about it, I’m looking forward to it. I believe we’ll be well prepared for that, to a successful end, “said Vaclík.
“Belarus and Estonia, of course, also have quality, but I believe that we will prepare well and the group will turn out the way we all want,” Souček added.
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