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2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
Group Stage fixture
Czech Republic vs Wales
Sinobo Stadium
Prague, Czech Republic
Friday, 08 October 2021
Kick-off is at 18:45
The Czech Republic will host Wales in a crucial Group E
2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Prague on Friday evening.
With Belgium well on their way to sealing automatic qualification to next year's showpiece in Qatar, Czech Republic and Wales look set to battle it out for a play-off berth.
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The two nations are locked on seven points, but Wales have played a game less and will narrow the deficit between themselves and Belgium to three points if they are to win their next two matches.
But they will have to do so without star man Gareth Bale. The Real Madrid winger, who scored a hat-trick in a 3-2 win over Belarus last month, will have to wait to clinch his 100th cap for his country after sustaining an injury that will keep him out of action for another month.
"You grade hamstring injuries from one to four, and his is nearer the four so it's quite a significant hamstring tear," said Wales caretaker head coach, Rob Page, when asked about the significance of Bale's injury.
"We've been in contact with him and our medical department to see how it's developing. This camp has come too soon for him unfortunately.
"Originally, it might have even progressed into November's camp but thankfully he's recovering better than anticipated.
"We're pretty certain he'll be OK [for November]."
Page remains confident that
the Dragons can clinch a place in the play-offs.
"Second place is achievable, that's what we're aiming for and we'll be going out to get maximum points from the two games," he added.
Image copyright: Getty Images
Leeds United winger Daniel James scored a late goal in a 1-0 win for Wales over the Czech Republic in the reverse fixture at Cardiff City Stadium back in March.
Czech Republic vs Wales head-to-head statistics:
Matches: 4
Czech Republic wins: 1
Wales wins: 1
Draws: 2
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