Watch Czech Republic vs Turkey full match replay and highlights.
KICK-OFF at 19:00 (GMT) on 26th June 2024
The referee for this match is I. Kovács
Game played at Volksparkstadion
This is a match in Europe – UEFA European Championship, Group F, Season 2024
Turkey Edges Out Czech Republic to Secure Round of 16 Spot in UEFA Euro 2024
Turkey clinched their place in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Euro 2024 with a gritty 2-1 victory over a resilient 10-man Czech Republic side, marking a disappointing end for the Czechs who exit the competition without a group stage win for only the second time in their history.
High Stakes and Early Pressure
Ivan Hašek’s Czech team needed a win to progress from Group F, and the pressure intensified as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s early goal for Georgia against Portugal put the Czechs at the bottom of the table. Desperate to avoid an early exit, the Czechs started aggressively against their familiar rivals, having faced Turkey in both Euro 2008 and Euro 2016.
First Half Drama
The Czechs’ direct approach almost paid off early. Lukáš Provod’s powerful long-range shot was parried by Mert Günok, and Robin Hranáč missed a header from Tomáš Souček’s flick-on. However, the Czechs’ momentum was halted when referee István Kovács controversially sent off Antonín Barák for a second yellow card after a seemingly harmless challenge on Salih Özcan.
Despite being a man down, the Czech Republic continued to threaten, with David Jurásek’s angled shot forcing another save from Günok. Meanwhile, Turkey’s teenage star Arda Güler nearly scored with an acrobatic attempt from a Hakan Çalhanoğlu cross.
Second Half: Turkey Takes Control
The deadlock was broken early in the second half when Çalhanoğlu fired a superb shot into the far corner after a series of attempts, including a brilliant save by Jindřich Staněk from Kenan Yıldız’s shot. This goal put Turkey ahead and intensified the pressure on the Czech Republic.
Czech Republic’s Equalizer and Turkey’s Response
The Czech Republic fought back and equalized through Tomáš Souček, who capitalized on a mistake by Günok, scoring after the Turkish goalkeeper dropped a routine catch under pressure. Despite their efforts, the Czechs could not maintain the draw.
Stoppage Time Heartbreak
In stoppage time, Cenk Tosun sealed the win for Turkey with a clinical right-footed shot into the bottom corner, breaking Czech hearts and ensuring Turkey’s advancement.
Key Moments
- Controversial Red Card: Antonín Barák’s second yellow card for a challenge on Salih Özcan left the Czechs with ten men.
- Çalhanoğlu’s Opener: Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s goal early in the second half put Turkey ahead.
- Souček’s Equalizer: Tomáš Souček’s goal briefly restored parity for the Czechs.
- Tosun’s Winning Goal: Cenk Tosun’s stoppage-time goal ensured Turkey’s progression.
Conclusion
Turkey’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic secures their spot in the Round of 16, where they will face Austria. The Czech Republic, despite their spirited performance, exit the tournament with a fourth-place finish in Group F.
