Belgium's 4-3-3 was designed to overload the Czech midfield and exploit the flanks, and it largely succeeded. De Bruyne's free-kick opener was a moment of individual brilliance, but the tactical blueprint — Doku stretching the Czech right, Trossard drifting infield on the left, and Lukaku as the focal point — was coherent and well-executed. The Czech 4-2-3-1 mid-block was disciplined but lacked the midfield creativity to hurt Belgium on the counter without Holeš pulling strings. Schick's equaliser was a reminder of Czech quality in transition, and for 30 minutes after the 58th minute Belgium looked vulnerable. The decisive factor was Doku's relentless directness and Lukaku's predatory instinct at the back post — a combination that Czech's ageing defensive line simply couldn't handle. Belgium advance, but their defensive fragility — exposed by a single Czech counter — will concern the coaching staff ahead of the Round of 16.

• De Bruyne's free-kick was his 14th direct goal contribution in knockout football for Belgium — no other Belgian player has more.
• Schick's equaliser was his 7th goal in major international tournaments, underlining his big-game pedigree.
• Doku completed 7 successful dribbles — the most by any player on the pitch — and created the winning goal with his cross.
• Czech Republic's double-pivot (Souček + Sadílek) was undermined by the absence of suspended Holeš, leaving gaps De Bruyne exploited ruthlessly.
• Courtois made 4 saves, including a crucial late stop from Schick, on his return to a major tournament knockout stage.
• Belgium's xG of 2.1 vs Czech Republic's 1.3 reflected their territorial dominance, though the Czechs' compact block kept the margin tight.