OLOMOUC, Czech Republic — Denmark booked their spot in the Euro 2024 finals with a 2-1 win in their crunch match against Slovenia.
Albania also qualified, drawing 1-1 in Moldova to ensure they would finish in the top two in Group E. It will be Albania’s second appearance at a major tournament after their debut at Euro 2016.
The Czech Republic beat 10-man Moldova 3-0 to qualify for Euro 2024 after Tomas Chory scored and provided an assist on his international debut in the Group E clash.
However, Czech Republic coach Jaroslav Silhavy resigned after the victory, saying his decision was partly due to the pressure of the job, Reuters reported.
His side struck when Chory picked out David Doudera down the left flank and the defender collected the ball before slotting past onrushing goalkeeper Dorian Railean in the 14th minute.
Viktoria Plzen’s Chory, playing in his hometown, powered home a header from Vasil Kusej’s corner in the 72nd before captain Tomas Soucek got the third goal just before the end.
Moldova, who haddefender Vladislav Baboglo sent off 10 minutes after halftime for a second yellow card, posed problems for the Czechs early on but lacked a clinical finish.
The Czechs played without full back Vladimir Coufal, central defender Jakub Brabec and forward Jan Kuchta, who were sent home for violating team rules after being photographed in a nightclub before the match. All three started Friday’s 1-1 draw in Poland.
The Czech victory means the 1996 runners-up will play in their eighth successive Euros after finishing second, level on 15 points with Albania who have a better head-to-head record.
“Although we are happy now, we had already decided before the game not to continue,” Silhavy said in an interview as he explained why he was stepping down despite qualifying.
“I told (Czech FA) President Petr Fouska. The pressure was already enormous, sometimes I didn’t understand it myself. This also contributed to our decision,” Silhavy added.
Albania clinched a place at Euro 2024 despite conceding a late equaliser as they drew 1-1 in Moldova.
Sokol Cikalleshi put the visitors ahead with a first-half penalty and although Vladyslav Babohlo levelled with three minutes left, the point ensured Albania will finish in the top two in Group E.
Italy survived a scare against North Macedonia in Rome, which saw them move into second in the group ahead of Ukraine.
Matteo Darmian headed in the opener and Federico Chiesa grabbed a quick-fire brace in the first half.
Jani Atanasov pulled one back for the visitors early in the second half, before scoring a second with 16 minutes remaining but Giacomo Raspadori and Stephen El Shaarawy struck for Italy to ensure the victory.
“The important thing is that we won. We conceded two goals that I don’t think we deserved to concede,” said Chiesa according to AFP.
Ukraine and Italy meet yesterday, a draw will ensure the Italians automatic qualification thanks to their better head-to-head record, following September’s 2-1 win in Milan.
Am experimental and disjointed England team beat winless Malta 2-0 through an Enrico Pepe own goal with eight minutes gone and a second-half Harry Kane strike.
“If you don’t start games well, it’s very difficult to pick it up and we didn’t. We know the level we’ve got should be better,” said England coach Gareth Southgate.
