Netherlands 0-2 Czech Republic: 5 talking points as Oranje get knocked out in Round of 16 | UEFA Euro 2020

#3 Netherlands' high-tempo start fizzles out

The Netherlands started the match strongly but lost steam after a while.

It was Netherlands who started the match brightly against Czech Republic but ran out of steam after a while.

During the game's initial exchanges, Frank de Boer's side looked full of vigour and came out at full pelt. Netherlands moved the ball around quickly and created a few half-chances.

0 - For the first time since all Euro and World Cup games are analysed (1980), the Netherlands have failed to record a single shot on target in a tournament game. Extinguished. #NED #CZE #NEDCZE #Euro2020 pic.twitter.com/6nH4JdFRC9

— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) June 27, 2021

The match seemed to play out according to script, but Netherlands' high-tempo soon fizzled out, and Czech Republic started to gain a foothold of the game. Their strategy was to build out wide and send crosses into the right. But the Netherlands repeatedly came up short, and that pushed them on the back foot following a period of high-octane, fast tempo action.

---

#2 Netherlands pay the price for defensive frailties

Netherlands were poor in defence.

It was clear from their opening game that Netherlands had issues in their defence. While they managed to get away with that in the group stage, Czech Republic had the quality to capitalise on Netherlands' frailties ruthlessly.

The Czechs continually targetted the left side, particularly the gap between Daley Blind and Patrick van Aanholt, who stationed himself much further ahead. De Ligt's sending off only made Czech Republic's job easier.

While their first goal came through a set-piece, wherein the Netherlands showed poor marking, the second was triggered by Holes. He pounced on a loose ball and darted forward in the acres of space afforded to him by Netherlands before laying off for Schick to finish.

---

#1 Czech Republic script another underdog triumph at Euro 2020

The knockout stage at Euro 2020 has been interesting thus far.

The performances of the so-called smaller teams in the knockout stage of Euro 2020 has been truly impressive thus far.

Austria pushed Italy into extra time and ended their long clean sheet run after Denmark crushed Wales earlier in the day. Now, Czech Republic have eliminated a potential Euro 2020 finalist in the Round of 16 to set up a clash with the Danes for a place in the semi-finals.

ABSOLUTE SCENES 📸The Czech Republic emerge as an actual EURO 2020 dark horse to eliminate the Netherlands 👊 pic.twitter.com/pse034B3W8

— International Champions Cup (@IntChampionsCup) June 27, 2021

Although the group stage at Euro 2020 produced no big surprises, the knockout round has been absolutely rollicking thus far.