Winning start to EURO 2020 for all Herthaner

After Dedryck Boyata’s Belgium won 3-0 on Saturday (12/6/21), Vladimír Darida and Peter Pekarík were also in EURO 2020 action on Monday (14/6/21). The first game in Group D saw Scotland take on Czech Republic in Glasgow in front of 12,965 fans. It was an even clash until the 42nd minute, when Darida played it in behind the Scottish defence to Vladimír Coufal and his cross was turned home by Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick. In the 52nd minute, the striker doubled his tally with an unbelievable strike from just inside the Scottish half. Czech Republic, captained by Darida, defended well to seal their first win of the tournament. Our midfielder played 87 minutes and said after the game: “It was a really intense match with a great crowd. Scotland really tested us, which is why we’re happy to have started with a win. Patrik showed his class today, his second goal was really special. We want to cause Croatia problems in the next game now.” Czech Republic sit top of Group D ahead of England thanks to their superior goal difference.

Slovakia upset Poland - Copa América also begins

Poland and Slovakia faced off in Group E at St. Petersburg. Poland went into the game as favourites with superstar Robert Lewandowski up front, while this is just Slovakia’s second appearance at a European Championship. The outsiders went ahead early on after an own goal from Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny (18’). 27 seconds after the restart, however, Karol Linetty equalised for Poland. Their chances were then severely damaged after just over an hour played. Grzegorz Krychowiak was shown a second yellow card and they went down to ten men. Slovakia duly took advantage and won it through Milan Skriniar (69’). “This is an important win for our fans. It was a hard-fought victory from the whole team. This is a good start, but we are already focusing on the game against Sweden,” said Pekarík, who played 79 minutes. The other game in their group saw Spain held 0-0 by Sweden.

The Copa América also began on Sunday. Paraguay won 3-1 against Bolivia, but Omar Alderete wasn’t in their matchday squad.

Boyata next up

The second round of group fixtures starts on Thursday (17/6/21). The first Herthaner involved will be Dedryck Boyata with Belgium as they take on Denmark in Copenhagen at 18:00 CEST. A day later, Pekarík and Slovakia will play Sweden (15:00 CEST) and Darida’s Czech Republic side will come up against Croatia (18:00 CEST).