Key Battles That Will Shape Netherlands' Clash with Czech Republic

Kicking off their Euro 2016 qualification campaign, the Netherlands will face the Czech Republic in Prague on Tuesday. 

It won't be the first time the two countries face off: The Netherlands and the Czech Republic have played against each other a total of nine times.

Three games were won by the Dutch, three by the Czechs. The remaining three matches ended in a draw. In other words: From both perspectives, the two nations seem like worthy opponents.

Here, we take a look at the key battles that will likely shape this match's latest instalment.

Robin van Persie vs. Petr Cech

Natacha Pisarenko/Associated Press

Last week, during the Netherlands' 2-0 defeat against Italy, star striker Robin van Persie failed to find the net for his country.

Against the Czech Republic, Van Persie will be looking to rectify that and score his first Netherlands goal since the Oranje's World Cup match against Brazil in the summer. 

Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech, however, might just be thinking otherwise.

The Chelsea man, who was banished to the bench by manager Jose Mourinho when Thibaut Courtois arrived this summer, will do everything in his power to stop his Manchester United rival. 

Tomas Rosicky vs. Nigel de Jong

Petr David Josek/Associated Press

The Czech Republic will be looking at Arsenal man Tomas Rosicky as their main creative outlet. 

What can Dutch manager Guus Hiddink do to stop him?

Stick tough-tackling midfielder Nigel de Jong on him, of course.

The AC Milan man, who was absolutely crucial for the Netherlands during the World Cup, is the ideal man-marker. He constantly imposes himself on his direct opponent and is always ready to win back possession.

Even if Rosicky takes up a wider position, it could be a good idea to let De Jong follow the No. 10 around the pitch. 

Stefan de Vrij and Bruno Martins Indi vs. Matej Vydra

Hrant Khachatryan/Associated Press

During the Czech Republic's international friendly against the USA last week, attacker Matej Vydra started as his country's main striker.

It's likely the 22-year-old will make another appearance against the Netherlands, and it will be up to Oranje defensive duo Stefan de Vrij and Bruno Martins Indi to stop him.

Vydra, who currently plays for Watford on loan from Udinese, will want to take every opportunity to show his club he has evolved as a player.

He'll also want to solidify his position as the Czech Republic's main man in attack.

At the World Cup, De Vrij and Martins Indi faced world-class attackers such as Diego Costa and Alexis Sanchez. However, against Italy last week, both players underperformed. 

The question now is: How will they do against a hungry youngster like Vydra?