Czech Republic vs Austria in Friendlies. The fixture is part of the Friendlies 1 stage in the 2020 season. The full-time result capped a Czech Republic vs Austria meeting in Friendlies with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Czech Republic and Austria. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
FriendliesRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Lukas Hornicek says he "can't wait to play" in front of the Newcastle United supporters after signing for the club for £25.7m. The 24-year-old goalkeeper joins from Portuguese side Braga on a five-year-deal and is Newcastle's fifth signing of the summer. "The last few days have been an emotional rollercoaster from when I first heard about the move and now I'm so happy to be here," the Czech Republic international said.
Santi Denia, who was a LaLiga winner in his playing days and coached Spain to Olympic gold in 2024, has taken charge of Czechia. The post Czechia make Denia their first foreign coach after World Cup failure appeared first on SoccerNews.
Celtic's potential Champions League play-off opponents became slightly clearer after the latest second qualifying round ties, including a stunning comeback win by Danish champions AGF Aarhus. The Scottish champions already knew that Norwegian counterparts Viking Stavanger and Austria's LASK are potential opponents as both have automatically qualified for the play-off round and will be on the unseeded side of the draw.
While UEFA continues to rally opposition, FIFA has now received public backing from an unexpected corner of Europe, dealing an early setback to efforts aimed at presenting a united front against the governing body’s plans. Gianni Infantino’s controversial proposal to reshape the commercial future of the World Cup has divided soccer like few governance issues in recent memory. While UEFA continues to rally opposition, FIFA has now received public backing from an unexpected corner of Europe, dealing an early setback to efforts aimed at presenting a united front against the governing body’s plans. The debate centers on FIFA’s proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new commercial subsidiary that would oversee the World Cup, Club World Cup and other major competitions while selling minority stakes to private investors. With member associations facing a September 19 deadline to decide whether to support the project, the political battle surrounding soccer’s biggest tournament continues to intensify. According to reports from The Associated Press, Sky News and several other outlets, FIFA is seeking approval from its 211 member associations to launch FIFA Forward Enterprise, a company valued at around $20 billion. Under the proposal, FIFA would sell minority, non-controlling stakes worth approximately $4.2 billion, while maintaining overall control of soccer governance, international competitions and the global calendar. In a letter to member associations, Infantino described the proposal as “a singular and unique funding opportunity.” He added: “It is my duty and responsibility as FIFA president to present such game-changing opportunities to you, our members.” FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks about the 2026 World Cup with U.S. President Donald Trump Should the project receive majority approval, each member association could receive funding packages worth up to $40 million, significantly increasing the financial support available for infrastructure, grassroots soccer, coaching and national team development. The first European association publicly breaks ranks While UEFA has led fierce resistance to FIFA’s plans, the Czech Republic has emerged as the first European nation to publicly support Infantino’s proposal. David Trunda, president of the Czech Football Association, believes the additional investment could benefit soccer development in his country despite widespread criticism elsewhere across Europe. Speaking to Sky News, Trunda said: “I can see the pragmatic benefits for Czech soccer from working in close co-operation with Gianni Infantino and his team.” He continued: “Of course we need more details, but my personal point of view is that I can see the positive impact of FIFA’s intentions.” Ladislav Krejci of Czechia celebrates scoring his team’s first goal Trunda also highlighted his own experience working alongside FIFA since taking office last year. He added: “I was elected a little more than a year ago and for me personally all the projects I have experienced in cooperation with FIFA have been very positive for the development of European soccer.” His comments represent the first major public endorsement of FIFA’s proposal from within UEFA’s membership, potentially complicating the confederation’s attempt to maintain complete unity. Why FIFA believes the proposal is necessary Infantino has consistently argued that the proposal is designed to benefit soccer globally rather than outside investors. According to FIFA, FFE would consolidate broadcasting rights, sponsorship agreements, ticketing, licensing and commercial operations, allowing the governing body to generate far higher income for member associations over the coming decade. Pedro Porro #12 of Spain kisses the World Cup Winner’s Trophy. Infantino said: “Football is the world’s most popular sport and an extraordinary engine of human and social development.” He also insisted that FIFA would retain exclusive authority over governance, competitions, regula
Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now!After the eye-watering excess of the Geopolitics World Cup, we can return to the modest, measured land of the domestic game. While our attention has been elsewhere, Manchester City have splashed £116m on Elliot Anderson. Chelsea, not to be outshone, have splurged £117m on Morgan Rogers. Even Tottenham have parted with £230m to revamp their mildly traumatised squad. Manchester United, who went down to Wrexham in their first pre-season friendly in Helsinki, have kept things modest, buying Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for the same £85m Spurs have thrown in the direction of relegation’s West Ham for Mateus Fernandes.I was pleased with a lot of things that I saw in the game. We could do better. We could have taken more responsibility to have the ball instead of just watching and reacting … efficiency is very important at this level. When you don’t kill, you get killed” – new Hearts boss Wouter Vrancken chooses to focus on the positives after the, erm, 4-0 tonking by Sturm Graz in the first leg of their Bigger Cup qualifier.How’s your World Cup hangover? I must have been bored because I couldn’t help but notice that Tuesday was a rough day for British, Irish and British Overseas Territory club teams in Bigger Cup. Not only were Hearts, Larne, Shamrock Rovers and Lincoln Red Imps all beaten in their second qualifying round first legs, they didn’t manage a single goal among them! Rovers’ Cape Verdean Pico Lopes went from taking Argentina to extra time in Miami just a few weeks ago, to getting blanked by Ararat in Armenia. Larne were were given no home comforts on the coast of Northern Ireland by Red Star Belgrade, who brought on Marko Arnautovic, the Austria veteran who retired from his national side after exiting the GWC at the hands of Spain. Football just rolls on and on” – Peter Oh.Here we go again, another new face in the top job, you know the drill by now. Smiles, handshakes and social media soundbites. Claims of ‘understanding why people have been frustrated’, promises of ‘change’ and ‘progress’. Speculation about who’s being brought in to play a key role, and who’s out of favour. Sooner or later, the realisation there is no time or trust to make the difficult long-term changes everyone knows are necessary. Media pressure, infighting, the ‘need to act before it’s too late’. Out the door to be replaced by the next great hope, mainly distinguishable by having a different accent. All of which to say, good luck to Alessio Dionisi at Watford this season. Now to see what’s going on in UK politics …” – David Craddock.This is an extract from our daily football email … Football Daily. To get the full version, just visit this page and follow the instructions. Continue reading...
Nico Williams has been left out from Spain's starting lineup for the 2026 World Cup final against Argentina. Nico Williams entered the 2026 World Cup as one of Spain‘s most highly anticipated talents and one of the most dangerous wingers in the world. However, for today’s championship clash against Argentina at MetLife Stadium, the Athletic Bilbao standout will have to wait for his opportunity from the substitutes’ bench. Williams will miss out on the starting eleven due to a calculated tactical decision by manager Luis de la Fuente. While the explosive winger has fully recovered from his recent injury, the Spanish boss has opted to stick with the core lineup that successfully navigated the knockout rounds to reach the final. Instead, De la Fuente has handed the starting nod to Alex Baena on the left flank. This tactical setup leaves Spain with Lamine Yamal patrolling the right wing and Mikel Oyarzabal leading the line at center forward, maintaining the exact attacking trio that started the previous matches, including the semifinal victory over France. A World Cup filled with obstacles for Williams Throughout Spain’s recent competitive cycles, including their title runs in Euro 2024 and the 2025 UEFA Nations League, Williams has been indispensable as a dynamic threat down the left flank. His partnership with Lamine Yamal previously gave La Roja one of the most exciting young wing duos in international soccer, but with both stars entering this World Cup carrying injuries, the Spanish attack occasionally looked static and predictable. Nico Williams #17 of Spain is fouled by Nicolas de la Cruz #7 of Uruguay. After being managed carefully as a second-half substitute in Spain’s opening three group matches, Williams suffered a heavy knock against Uruguay that aggravated his underlying muscular issue. The setback proved costly, forcing him to watch from the sidelines as an unused substitute during the knockout victories over Austria and Portugal. While he finally made his return to action with brief cameos off the bench against Belgium and France, he has struggled to find his usual rhythm or impact the scoresheet. In total, the winger has appeared in five matches during this World Cup campaign but has logged just 76 minutes on the pitch, a frustrating reality far below what was expected of him before the tournament kicked off.
The stakes couldn't be higher, and fans are buzzing to see exactly how this do-or-die result will define the ultimate road to the tournament's biggest prize. France and Spain are squaring off in an absolutely massive Semi-finals showdown at the 2026 World Cup. Didier Deschamps’ squad is gearing up to battle Luis de la Fuente’s reigning European champions in Arlington. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and fans are buzzing to see exactly how this do-or-die result will define the ultimate road to the tournament’s biggest prize. France enters the contest after an impressive run through the knockout rounds, while Spain has continued to showcase the possession-based soccer that has become its trademark. With stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Michael Olise, Desire Doue, Rodri, and Lamine Yamal expected to feature, the semifinal promises to be one of the standout matches of the competition. France arrives with confidence Les Bleus have looked like one of the tournament’s most complete teams. They topped their group before defeating Sweden, Paraguay, and Morocco to reach the semifinal without conceding a goal in the knockout rounds. Didier Deschamps has built an attack capable of hurting opponents in several different ways. Mbappe leads the Golden Boot race with eight goals. At the same time, Dembele continues to justify his reputation after winning the Ballon d’Or, and Olise has emerged as one of the tournament’s leading creators. DateFrance’s OpponentStageResultJuly 9, 2026MoroccoQuarter-finalsWin (2-0)July 4, 2026ParaguayRound of 16Win (1-0)June 30, 2026SwedenRound of 32Win (3-0)June 26, 2026NorwayGroup StageWin (4-1)June 22, 2026IraqGroup StageWin (3-0)June 16, 2026SenegalGroup StageWin (3-1) The team has also become increasingly balanced as the tournament has progressed. Adrien Rabiot and Manu Kone have provided stability behind an explosive front four, allowing Deschamps to play with greater attacking freedom than in previous World Cups. Spain continues to trust its identity Spain has taken a different route to the semifinals. Luis de la Fuente’s side has relied on patience, possession and defensive discipline, conceding only once throughout the tournament. Rodri continues to dictate the tempo in midfield, while Lamine Yamal remains one of soccer’s brightest young stars despite not yet reaching his peak scoring form in North America. Mikel Merino has repeatedly delivered from the bench, scoring decisive late goals against both Portugal and Belgium. DateSpain’s OpponentStageResultJuly 10, 2026BelgiumQuarter-finalsWin (2-1)July 6, 2026PortugalRound of 16Win (1-0)July 2, 2026AustriaRound of 32Win (3-0)June 27, 2026UruguayGroup StageWin (1-0)June 21, 2026Saudi ArabiaGroup StageWin (4-0)June 15, 2026Cabo VerdeGroup StageTie (0-0) Spain’s confidence also comes from recent history against France. La Roja defeated Les Bleus in the Euro 2024 semifinal and again in the 2025 UEFA Nations League semifinal, giving them belief that another victory is possible. What happens if France wins and Spain loses? A French victory would send Les Bleus into another World Cup final, where they would meet the winner of the Argentina vs England semifinal. Kylian Mbappe #10 of France celebrates with Dayot Upamecano #4 and Michael Olise #11. Spain would then be eliminated from title contention and move into the Third-Place Match. A place in the final would also continue France’s remarkable consistency at the highest level, adding another chapter to one of international soccer’s strongest modern eras. What happens if France and Spain are level after 90 minutes? Although the match could finish level after regulation, the semifinal itself cannot end in a draw. Kylian Mbappe #10 of France converts the penalty to score Instead, the teams would play 30 minutes of extra time, and if neither side finds a winner, the contest would be settled by a penalty shootout. Only after those stages would the World Cup bracket be completed, with one team advancing to th
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