Wales 1-2 Czechia: U21s lose amidst embarrassing admin error

Wales’ U21s fell to a 2-1 defeat to Czechia in their final European Championship qualifier, leaving them on the brink of elimination.

Needing a point to guarantee themselves a playoff spot at the very least, an admin error before kick-off meant some of the squad’s star names were unable to play.

That would cost them, as a Matt Baker own goal and a Václav Sejk tap in took the game away from Matty Jones’ side. Luca Hoole did score a late consolation goal, but it was too little too late.

Wales will now rely on Lithuania either beating or drawing to the Czechs on Tuesday night if they are to have any chance of reaching Slovakia next summer.

The big news ahead of kick off was the fact there had been an admin error that restricted those who didn’t play in the last qualifier against Iceland from playing.

Therefore, Rubin Colwill, Owen Beck, Lewys Benjamin, Ed Turns, Owen Hampson, and Josh Farrell were unable to be named in the squad. As a result, manager Matty Jones was unable to name a substitute goalkeeper on the bench.

From kick-off, Wales asserted themselves as the dominant side and created chances for themselves. Joel Cotterill struck the base of the post from a free kick, while Eli King couldn’t divert his header into the back of the net after an inviting cross from the right wing.

It did look like there was only one team in it, but in a blink of an eye, the game flipped on its head.

In a rare Czech break, a cross from the wing found Matěj Jurásek. He volleyed towards goal, but attempting to make a block, Matt Baker turned the ball into his own net. After a bright start, Wales found themselves behind.

With an advantage, the visitors dominated the rest of the half and had multiple chances to double their lead before the break. Evan Watts had to be alert to thwart captain Václav Sejk, while Marek Icha missed a guilt-edged opportunity from a corner.

At half time, with the admin issues clouding over them, Cymru had work to do in the second half.

Wales starlet on why he swapped Premier League for St. Pauli

That work would become a lot harder as Czechia eventually found their second goal of the evening a mere five minutes into the half.

Patrik Vydra’s shot was saved by Watts, but there on the follow up was Sejk, who had all the time in the world to tap the ball home from close range.

Over 2000 expectant fans had packed into Rodney Parade to see if this U21 squad could make history, but with less than half an hour to go, they were muted, as this Wales team were unable to spark into life.

For most of the night, King looked to be the one who has going to be that spark, and he tired a shot from range, but it was straight at the keeper.

As Wales pushed for a route back into the tie, gaps were appearing at the back. Kryštof Daněk put on the afterburners to race away from the Welsh defence, but again, Watts made a fine save.

Entering the final stages of the game, the hosts began resorting to long balls up field and crosses into the box, but against a Czech defence that were stronger and taller than Wales’ attackers, that method of attack was futile.

However, with a minute left of stoppage time, a glimmer of hope. Czechia failed to clear a corner, allowing Fin Stevens to hook the ball back in, and Luca Hoole to flick the ball home. Just when it looked like a miracle could happen, the end came.

The final whistle blew, and players in red fell to their knees. A golden opportunity to make history had slipped away from their grasp, and they now relied on Lithuania to help them.

Player of the Match: Eli King

It wasn’t an easy night for anyone in red, but King looked assured in the midfield.

We’ve seen him linking up play and operate as a key connection between all thirds of the pitch before, but today we saw him attack, and he tested the Czechs on multiple occasions. A good display from the man on loan from Cardiff City.

Wales

Evan Watts, Fin Stevens ©, Luca Hoole, Matt Baker, Zac Ashworth (Cameron Congreve 75’), Tom Davies, Eli King, Charlie Savage (Chris Popov 54’), Joel Colwill (Oli Hammond 61’), Joel Cotterill, Josh Thomas (Cian Ashford 61’)

Unused subs: Alex Williams, Charlie Crew

Goals: Luca Hoole (90′)

Yellows: Joel Cotterill (80’)

Czechia

Lukáš Horníček, Matěj Hadaš, Filip Prebsl, Štepán Chaloupek, Jaroslav Harušták, Patrik Vydra, Marek Icha, Adam Karabec (Matěj Šín 67’), Kryštof Daněk (Daniel Langhamer 77′), Matěj Jurásek (Ondřej Kričfaluši 90′), Václav Sejk ©

Unused subs: Jiří Borek, Adam Kadlec, Filip Vecheta, Denis Halinský, Petr Juliš, David Látal

Goals: Matt Baker (27’ OG), Václav Sejk (50’)

Yellows: Jaroslav Harušták (29’), Matěj Hadaš (31’), Štepán Chaloupek (90′)

(Featured Image: Ashley Crowden/FAW)