Czech Republic skipper Dardia bids adieu to international career after quarterfinal loss against Denmark
Denmark’s Kasper Dolberg (right) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Czech Republic during their Euro 2020 quarter-final match in Baku on Saturday. Associated Press
Skipper Vladimir Darida brought down the curtain on his international career following their 2-1 defeat against Denmark at the Euro quarter final match on Sunday.
Darida, who scored eight goals in 76 appearances for his country, failed to steer his team to the last four of the continental championship.
He cited family reasons for his decision to quit national team.
“In the last year I was without my family for almost 140 days due training and club matches. I want to spend some more time with my family,” said Darida.
However, it is also being speculated that his decision might have been prompted by the Euro heartbreak. He had led the team in the group stage games but could not play in the round of 16 match against Netherlands due to an injury, which forced him out.
In the quarter-final also, he could not feature in the starting line-up and came on the field for a brief period as substitute.
“As the national team bid farewell to Euro, I then decided to bid farewell to my international career,” said Darida on the football’s federation website.
Darida began his career at Viktoria Pilsen and currently plays in for Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin. He made his debut international debut at 2012 Euros and was a part of the team which made it to the last eight.
Earlier, Denmark continued their dream run at the Euro with an upset win over Czech Republic. Thomas Delaney and Kasper Dolberg were on target as Denmark made light work of Czechs, who finished third in the group stages and qualified as one of four best third-placed teams.
Two top teams from every group along with the four best third-placed teams made it to the round of 16. Czech Republic pulled one back through a rampant Patrik Schick's, who took his tally to five goal form as many games.
But his solo effort was not enough to see the Czechs through to the next stage. The Denmark have reached a milestone of 10 goals in their last three matches after a wobbling start to the tournament, which also saw an on-field cardiac arrest to Christian Eriksenin the opener.
