Czech Republic will be hosting Spain on the second matchday of the UEFA Nations League A, with both teams looking to open up the group with the continuation of positive results. With that said, it’s a good time to check out our Nations League odds series, which includes our Czech Rep-Spain prediction and pick we have laid out below.

 

Czech Republic did open up the 2022-23 edition of the UEFA Nations League in a great way, beating group outsiders Switzerland 2-1 at their stadium in Prague. Still, they must be disappointed after Sweden ended their chances of making it to the 2022 World Cup. Spain, on the other hand, easily secured qualification through the group stage, winning six out of eight games. On the UEFA Nations League's first matchday, Portugal snatched one point from them with a late winner, so they will be looking to avenge that versus the Czech Republic.

Courtesy of FanDuel, here are the Czech Rep-Spain Nations League odds:

Nations League Odds: Czech Rep-Spain Odds

Czech Rep: (+390)

Spain: (-150)

Draw: (+250)

Over: 2.5 (-108)

Under: 2.5 (-132)

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Why Czech Rep Could Win This Game 

After a disappointing end to their World Cup hopes, it is back to business for the Czech Republic. After their most successful generation in the last couple of decades, one that brought them one EURO semifinal appearance, two EURO quarterfinals appearances, and an app in the 2006 World Cup, this Czech team is looking to rebuild. Continuing on to win this game and getting six out of six points from two games in this difficult group would be a great start.

The most important reason why the Czech Republic could win this game is the fact that the Spanish players likely do not care a ton about the Nations League. This competition was seemingly made for smaller nations, with all due respect to the Czech Republic. Spanish players will be looking towards the 2022 World Cup, while Czech players should be looking to surprise the unsuspecting Spanish team and win this game. If they manage to get six out of the six points, they should be secure in the UEFA Nations League A, especially if Portugal was to beat Switzerland.

In terms of talent, the headliners are Adam Hlozek, a 19-year-old talent that already has a goal internationally, captain Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal, two West Ham boys that should lead with experience. This is a compact team that is really hard to break down, so that is the biggest strength of this Czech team. If they manage to win this game, it will be from defensive stability and from offensive killer instinct and efficiency in front of the goal.

Why Spain Could Win This Game 

There is a fairly simple answer to this question – because they are the better side. Not only historically, with their three EURO wins and a World Cup win in 2010, but also through depth and talent. Depth and talent do not win games on their own, but if the Spanish players were to play how they played versus Portugal, at least until the dying moments of the game, they should be completely fine. This Czech team is definitely not better than Greece, Sweden, or Italy, all teams that Spain recently defeated.

Now, motivation could be a huge factor. Playing against Portugal is one thing, but the motivation to play versus some team like the Czech Republic, with all due respect, might be more difficult for Spanish players. However, one thing to consider is the young talent that will be dying to play and showcase their talent to the world. Gavi, Eric Garcia, Dani Olmo, Ansu Fati, and Ferran Torres, among others, will be jumping at the chance to fight for their place in the squad for the 2022 World Cup.

In terms of players, only a few teams around the world can match Spain. Aside from the aforementioned youngsters, experienced guys like Rodri, Sergio Busquets, Marcos Llorente, Dani Carvajal, Alvaro Morata, and many others, should be a guarantee for Spain to win this match. As said above, talent does not win games, but with a fairly low level of effort and this talent, a win for Spain should not be questioned whatsoever.

Final Czech Rep-Spain Prediction & Pick 

With all due kudos to the Czech Republic and their team, they are no match for the Spaniards. Spain could field their second-best team out of the players available and they would still be favorites. Our final Czech Rep-Spain prediction is a Spain win at the Sinobo Stadium in Prague.

Final Czech Rep-Spain Pick: Spain (-150)