Czech midfielder Souček was disappointed his team were unable to win against Moldova

Czech midfielder Souček was disappointed his team were unable to win against Moldova

EURO 2024 Czech midfielder Souček was disappointed his team were unable to win against Moldova

Stephen Oladehinde 15:45 - 28.03.2023

The Czech Republic drew their second group game against Moldova having defeated Poland in their first game of the Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Tomáš Souček admitted teammates were frustrated after they drew their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying contest against Moldova. Despite the Czech Republic’s best efforts in Monday’s fixture at the Zimbru Stadium, the midfielder and his teammates had to settle for a point at full-time. 

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Souček shares his disappointment 

Czech had an impressive 3-1 win over Poland in their first game but were unable to replicate it against Moldova. The visitors dominated the entirety of the game but could not break down a stubborn Moldova defence. However, they were able to the highest number of passes, with lots of possessions and attempt at goal. 

Speaking to journalists after the game, Soucek said, "We feel disappointment for sure, there was a lot of enthusiasm after the match with Poland. We got three points in that game and gave a great performance. We wanted to confirm it with another win against Moldova but it didn't work.

“Moldova also wanted to win. They had quality players. We kept a clean sheet and I have to praise our defence, because no opponent is easy in today’s game. 

“We have to take a point. I think that other opponents will also have a hard time collecting points here against Moldova. They showed quality. Everyone in our team gave their best. We just lacked the quality in the final third against them.

“You need to create something and also score the first goal. Then it opens up and it's much easier to score more. Even though we played better for the last 15 to 20 minutes and opened them up more, the chances still didn't come.”

Impressive performance from West Ham United midfielder 

West Ham United midfielder got the best chance of the game, as he latched onto a Tomáš Čvančara ball in added time of the first half. The 28-year-old could only hit the woodwork for his attempt.

Soucek continued “It's always difficult to play to our full when they have so many players in the box. We tried to put a lot of forwards in their area, but we couldn't get anything going. 

“We had a few chances. I also had a great chance and I'm sorry that I didn't convert. With respect to a team like Moldova, you need to get far more chances and score a goal from it. "Tomáš Čvančara played it well for me but I believed that I would get the ball even further forward. I was returning to it with my left foot, but it is necessary to hit it. 

“I tried to take it down as much as possible, because I was a little behind. They were centimetres, but it made all the difference.”

The Czech Republic still remains top of Group E in UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying after two games, and the midfielder believes four points is still a good start to their opening two fixtures.

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