Turkey secured a dramatic 2-1 victory against Czechia in a fiercely contested Euro 2024 Group F match on Wednesday, booking their place in the last 16 and sending their opponents home. Goals from captain Hakan Çalhanoglu and veteran Cenk Tosun propelled Turkey to victory in a game marred by red cards and a record-breaking number of yellow cards. The win sets up a tantalizing knockout stage clash with Austria for Turkey, while Czechia, who reached the quarter-finals in the previous tournament, are eliminated after a heartbreaking defeat.
Czechia’s hopes of progressing were severely hampered by an early red card shown to midfielder Antonín Barák. In the 20th minute, Barák received a second yellow for what was deemed a harsh challenge, reducing Czechia to ten men for the majority of the match. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Czechia showed resilience, but ultimately succumbed to Turkey’s pressure in a game filled with drama until the final whistle. The match concluded in further chaos as Czechia’s substitute Tomáš Chorý was also shown a red card after a melee erupted at the end of the game, highlighting the intense emotions of this crucial Euro 2024 encounter.
The match referee set a new European Championship record by brandishing a staggering 18 cards – 16 yellow and 2 red – reflecting the combative nature of the game. Among those cautioned was Turkey’s influential captain, Çalhanoglu, who will now be suspended for Turkey’s crucial last-16 match against Austria. This disciplinary fallout adds another layer of intrigue to Turkey’s upcoming Euro 2024 journey.
From the kickoff, both teams displayed attacking intent in a charged atmosphere, fueled by a passionate crowd in Germany. Turkish fans, significantly outnumbering their Czech counterparts due to Germany’s large Turkish diaspora, created a vibrant and partisan atmosphere. The game was a high-energy affair from the outset, with both sides recognizing the importance of a win to secure their Euro 2024 future.
The deadlock was broken in the 50th minute when Turkey’s talismanic playmaker, Hakan Çalhanoglu, marked his 50th international appearance with his first ever Euros goal. Çalhanoglu’s composed, low strike across Czechia’s goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek sent Turkish fans into raptures, igniting flares and celebrations. Unfortunately for Czechia, Stanek appeared to injure his shoulder making a save moments before the goal and was subsequently forced off the pitch due to injury, compounding their woes.
Moments after taking the lead, Turkey had a golden opportunity to extend it when teenage sensation Arda Güler, presented with an open goal, surprisingly missed from close range. This missed chance proved costly as Czechia capitalized on a long throw-in to equalize in the 66th minute. Tomás Soucek, Czechia’s captain, was on hand to prod the ball home amidst the ensuing chaos in the Turkish penalty area, setting up a tense and thrilling final period of the match.
As the game entered added time, substitute Cenk Tosun emerged as Turkey’s hero. Tosun’s decisive goal in stoppage time sparked scenes of delirium on the Turkish bench and amongst their fervent supporters. This late winner not only secured victory but also exorcised the ghosts of Euro 2020, where Turkey endured a miserable campaign, exiting after heavy defeats.
“We all fought very well together,” expressed defender Mert Muldur post-match. “We had a hard time against such teams in the past… I think we have improved ourselves.” Turkey’s progression to the Euro 2024 knockout stages marks a significant turnaround from their previous Euros experience.
Finishing second in Group F behind Portugal on goal difference, Turkey are now set to face Austria in a compelling last-16 encounter in Leipzig on July 2nd. “When we talked with our friends before the camp, our only goal was to get out of the group. We kept our promise and left the group. Now we will proceed step by step,” said a delighted Turkey winger Baris Alper Yilmaz, reflecting the team’s ambition and renewed confidence.
For Czechia, the defeat signifies the end of their Euro 2024 journey. Finishing bottom of the group with just one point, captain Tomás Soucek voiced his disappointment, lamenting the impact of the “disrespectful” red card decision on the game. Despite the setback, Soucek acknowledged his team’s effort: “We were happy to get the equaliser,” he stated. “Everyone did the maximum. The morale was huge. Just a sad end… But that is football.”
In the other Group F match, Portugal, already confirmed as group winners, suffered a surprise defeat to Georgia, who nonetheless qualified for the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams, adding another layer of drama to the final group standings.
