As the international break returns after another action-packed season across Europe, Czech Republic make the trip across the continent to face a very strong Belgium side. The sides meet before both of them make trips to different European countries for World Cup qualifiers. Belgium will face Estonia in Group H while Czech Republic make yet another away trip to Norway as they look to qualify from Group C.

STATS

• Belgium haven’t lost a game since their quarter-final exit to Wales at Euro 2016 last summer. They’ve won 6 games since then and drawn the other 2 and 4 of these wins have come in their World Cup qualifying group which has put them top of Group H after picking up 13 points from 15. They drew both games in the last international break against Greece (1-1) and Russia (3-3).
• Czech Republic have only lost once since they failed to make it out of their group at Euro 2016 and this loss came against Germany. They’ve won 4 and drawn 3 of their 8 games since their visit to France last summer. They’re currently 3^rd in Group C behind Germany and Northern Ireland, so they can still qualify for next year’s World Cup in Russia.
• Romelu Lukaku has been in great goal scoring form for both club and country and with 6 goals in 5 games, he’s currently the top scorer in Group H .
• Czech Republic have struggled to find a stand-out goal scorer in their side and although it’s just an international friendly, there’ll be to find that goal scorer just in time for their big qualifying match against Norway.

HEAD TO HEAD

The two sides have only faced each other once in the last 10 years and it was the Czech Republic who came out on top with a 3-1 win. However, since then Belgium have become a much stronger force in international football. Belgium beat the Czech Republic on both occasions in qualifying for the 2002 World Cup.

BELGIUM NEWS

Belgium will want to go into their World Cup qualifier against Estonia with a good result behind them and they shouldn’t have too many problems against Czech Republic. Vincent Kompany returns to the Belgian side and will make his first appearance for nearly two years if he’s selected to play against Czech Republic. After great seasons at club level, Eden Hazard and Dries Mertens will be hoping to make the impact for the Red Devils.

Latest matches: Belgium

28.03.2017	Int.	Russia	Belgium	3:3	D
25.03.2017	Worl	Belgium	Greece	1:1	D
13.11.2016	Worl	Belgium	Estonia	8:1	W
09.11.2016	Int.	Netherlands	Belgium	1:1	D
10.10.2016	Worl	Gibraltar	Belgium	0:6	W

CZECH REPUBLIC NEWS

Like Belgium, the Czech Republic will be hoping to pick up some confidence in the game against Belgium before travelling to Norway for their huge qualifier. Czech Republic have found life hard after Petr Cech’s international retirement after Euro 2016 but will need to sort their side out if they want to have any chance of World Cup qualification, which is still a very realistic aim.

Latest matches: Czech Republic

26.03.2017	Worl	San Marino	Czech Republic	0:6	W
22.03.2017	Int.	Czech Republic	Lithuania	3:0	W
15.11.2016	Int.	Czech Republic	Denmark	1:1	D
11.11.2016	Worl	Czech Republic	Norway	2:1	W
11.10.2016	Worl	Czech Republic	Azerbaijan	0:0	D

SUMMARY

Belgium are definitely favourites for this game due to the pure brilliance of their side as well as their strong home support. Czech Republic will struggle all over the field and it could end with them being on the receiving end of a Belgian masterclass. They’ll have to be at their absolute best to be in with any kind of chance of victory over a rapidly improving Belgium side.