Czech Republic host Spain in Prague, with Denia demanding a perfect performance

Spain arrive as group leaders

Spain travel to Prague on Thursday, 12 November, for matchday five of the Nations League group stage, with kick-off at 20:45 local time at the Epet Arena. The reigning world champions have won every group game so far and sit on 12 points, which already mathematically secures their place in the knockout phase. According to ABC, a win would send Spain top of the group if England, on nine points, fail to beat Croatia, and a draw would be enough if England lose. Finishing first would guarantee the second leg of the quarter-final at home. The hosts are in a far worse position: the Czech Republic have zero points and five consecutive defeats across all competitions, including a 3-0 loss at Wembley to England. They are fighting to avoid direct relegation to League B.

Denia's plan and Spain's absences

Santi Denia, the Albacete-born coach of the Czech side, told reporters that his players must play at their very best to beat Spain. Spain will be without Rodri and Dani Olmo through injury, while Lamine Yamal, who has knee discomfort, and Mikel Oyarzabal, who has the flu, will not travel, according to ABC. Denia said the absences change nothing about his game plan and pointed to Spain's depth in every position.

“Against Spain you have to play perfectly in every aspect to get past them, you have to do everything right.”

Denia added that fans pay to watch players like Yamal and Oyarzabal, and that the Czechs would have liked Yamal to be in the squad, though they cannot control that. On the Czech side, Michal Sadílek is suspended, while Adam Karabec, Pavel Sulc, Ondrej Lingr and Robin Hranác are injured. Denia said the rain and cold in Prague could help his side, and he expects a fast pitch in good condition.

“That is why they are world champions, because they have the best players in every position and the best backups.”

Idris Hopi's call-up

Denia has called up Idris Hopi, an 18-year-old winger at Teplice, for the matches against Spain and Croatia, El Mundo reports. Hopi made his senior debut for Teplice in May, scoring in each of his first two matches, and has one goal and five starts in 11 games this season. His parents come from Varaždin in northern Croatia and moved to the Czech Republic before he was born, which gives him dual nationality. El Mundo reports that the federation moved quickly to call him up once it learned of his background. Pavel Nedved said the call-up was based on his qualities alone. If Hopi debuts, he would become the second-youngest player to appear for the Czech senior side.

“It was not a debate I had in my head. I am happy with the call-up from the Czech Republic and to be able to represent the country.”

Head-to-head and Spain's run

Denia has close ties to several Spain players, having coached Baena, Fermín and Cubarsí in youth categories, RTVE reports, and he considers them part of his family. Spain and the Czech Republic have met eight times, with Spain winning six and drawing two. The last meeting was on 6 October in Oviedo, where Spain won 3-1 with goals from Lamine Yamal, Rodrigo and Merino. RTVE says Spain have not lost since 28 March 2023 and are on 43 matches unbeaten, while ABC gives the figure as 42 matches without losing in 90 minutes. Denia said it is time to break Spain's run.

Spain wins6

Draws2

Spain wins

6

Draws

2

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