NI v Czech Republic

MIDFIELD DYNAMO Attacking central midfielder Darida joined Bundesliga club Hertha Berlin in the summer of 2015 from relegated Freiburg. Previously with Viktoria Plzeň, he also spent time on loan at FK Baník Sokolov in 2011. Joined Freiburg in 2013. Recently turned down a chance to join Monaco, signing a contract with Hertha until 2021. He is a model professional and a tireless worker who never stops running and always gives 100%, according to his club coach Pal Darda. Darida was included in the Czech squad for the Euro 2012 tournament and earned his second cap in the quarter-final match against Portugal, his first in an official tournament, starting in place of the injured Tomas Rosicky. He was substituted after 61 minutes as the Czech Republic lost 1–0. The engine of the team, he played against Northern Ireland last September and missed the best chance of the match after just four minutes and another opportunity just before the interval. Has played in three WC 2018 qualifiers, scoring two goals, both away to San Marino, one a penalty. COOL HEAD The 6ft 2ins centre back, who can also play as a defensive central midfielder, has bags of experience. He has played for Basel since January 2014. Prior to that he spent four years with Spartak Moscow. He is a key player for Basel. He has won the Swiss Superleague title with them in the past four years. Played in four Euro 2016 qualifiers. Captained Czech Republic against Northern Ireland last September and has played in one other WC 2018 qualifier - the 3-0 defeat away to Germany back in October.  Coach Jarolim said he was looking to the experience and cool head of Suchy in what he described as the “make or break games” against Germany and Northern Ireland.

VLADIMIR DARIDA MIDFIELDER Club Hertha Berlin

Age 27

Caps 45

Goals 0

MAREK SUCHY DEFENDER Club FC Basel

Age 29

Caps 32

Goals 1

SHOOTING STAR A lively attacker who can operate as the main striker, as he does for his club, or just behind the front man. Also comfortable on the right or left flank. Right-footed and strong in the air, he was top scorer with 10 goals in 26 league games for Viktoria Plzen and a key component of last season’s league winning team. Plzen are currently top of the table after four games with a 100% record. Made a scoring international debut in November 2016 in Prague against Norway, netting the first goal in a 2-1 win. Also scored the fifth goal in the 6-0 win away to San Marino back in March.

MICHAEL KRMENCIK FORWARD Club Viktoria Plzen

Age 24

Caps 6

Goals 4

35

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