Moldova vs Czech Republic prediction: EUROPE: Euro – Qualification betting tips on match 2023-03-26 18:45.
Moldova’s first home draw (1-1) in a European Championship qualifier (ECQ) since 2007 was a missed opportunity to collect all three points against fellow minnows the Faroe Islands, as they look to avoid a third consecutive last place finish in an ECQ tournament. However, they at least remain on their longest undefeated run in competitive football (W3, D1) since the inaugural UEFA Nations League (UNL), albeit that is likely to come to an end when hosting a rampant Czech Republic side with a point to prove.
The home side were once again the victims of a slow start in that recent draw, conceding the opening goal on the way to a half-time deficit for a third consecutive occasion, before pulling a goal back against the Faroese late on. If they’re to overcome their #38-ranked opponents for the first time (L2) in this match, the Moldovans will need to finally end a 20-game losing streak in competitive football against current top-100 nations.
After their ‘smash and grab’ type victory against #22-ranked Poland (3-1) courtesy of two goals within the first few kicks of the game, the Czech Republic have started well in their quest to make an eighth consecutive Euros tournament. The decision to back manager Jaroslav Šilhavý – who guided the nation to the Euro 2020 quarter finals – despite the Czech Republic’s recent dismal 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign and UNL relegation, may be vindicated if they can begin this ECQ cycle with two wins.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of their win over Poland was seeing six separate players contribute to their three goals, highlighted by three Sparta Prague regulars all finding the net. A 5-0 friendly demolition of Moldova’s previous opponents (Faroe Islands) last November may offer some insight into the manner with which they treat this fixture, whilst an unbeaten W7, D3 record from their last ten games as pre-match favourites suggests a shock loss is a remote possibility at best for the Czech Republic.
Players to watch: Moldova’s Ion Nicolaescu may need more favours from Czech defenders, as four of his last five international goals have come from the penalty spot. The Czech Republic’s Tomáš Čvančara has amassed an outstanding seven goals from his last seven games for club or country – all in victories – albeit a teammate had opened the scoring before him on every occasion.
Hot stat: All but two of the Czech Republic’s last 12 wins were accompanied by a 2+ goal margin.