Northern Ireland v Czech Republic

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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.
VLADIMIR
DARIDA
MIDFIELDER
Age
27
Caps
45
Goals
0
Club Hertha Berlin
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.
MAREK
SUCHY
DEFENDER
Age
29
Caps
32
Goals
1
Club FC Basel
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
Age
24
Caps
6
Goals
4
Club Viktoria Plzen
35