A De Ligt blunder proved too costly for the Dutch, allowing the Czechs to claw back into the game and eventually dump them out.
Czech Republic made sure to capitalize on their numerical advantage against 10-man Netherlands as they beat them 2-0 to progress to the Euro 2020 quarter-finals.
Netherlands were the better side in the first half, constantly putting pressure on their opponents while coming close to taking the lead a few times. However, the second half saw the tide turn as a Matthijs de Ligt red card gave Czech Republic a critical edge.
De Ligt handled the ball on the edge of the box as he went down while trying to stop Patrik Schick from getting through on goal. He was initially booked but was given his marching orders when the referee went over to the pitchside screen and decided the Juventus center-back had denied Schick a goalscoring opportunity.
In less than 15 minutes thereafter, the Czechs made their numerical advantage pay, opening the scoring through Tomas Holes, who fired the ball home following a deep delivery from a corner-kick.
Schick netted his fourth goal of the tournament in the final ten minutes to put the game beyond doubt for his side.
Czech Republic will now hope to maintain their form when they face Denmark next Saturday in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals.
Netherlands vs Czech Republic Player Ratings
Netherlands: Stekelenburg – 5, De Vrij – 6, De Ligt – 4, Blind – 5, Dumfries – 6, De Jong – 6, Wijnaldum – 5, De Roon – 6, Van Aanholt – 5, Malen – 5, Depay – 6, Promes – 5, Weghorst – 6, Berghuis – 6, Timber – 6
Czech Republic: Vaclik – 7, Coufal – 8, Celustka – 8, Kalas – 9, Kaderabek – 8, Soucek – 8, Holes – 9, Barak – 7, Masopust – 7, Schick – 9, Sevcik – 7, Jankto – 7, Hlozek – 6, Kral – 6, Krmencik – N/A, Sadilek – N/A
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