Turkey delivered a captivating performance in their final group stage match at Euro 2024, overcoming the Czech Republic in a fiercely contested game in Hamburg to advance to the knockout rounds. Knowing that a draw would be sufficient to progress, Turkey faced a Czech side desperate for a win to keep their Euro 2024 dreams alive. The match was anything but straightforward, marked by a historic early red card and relentless drama until the final whistle. Ultimately, Turkey’s resilience and attacking prowess shone through, securing a 2-1 victory and a coveted spot in the last 16 of the Turkey Euro Cup.
A Game Marred by Cards: The Quickest Red in Euros History
The tension was palpable from the kickoff, and the game quickly descended into a physical battle. However, no one anticipated the sheer volume of cards, culminating in what could be described as one of the most card-filled matches in European Championship history. The first major incident occurred just 20 minutes into the game when Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs brandished a red card to Czech midfielder Antonin Barak. This dismissal, for a second yellow card, became the fastest red card ever shown in a Euros match, immediately tilting the balance of the game in Turkey’s favor.
The card frenzy began earlier, with Barak’s first yellow in the 11th minute for a foul on Ferdi Kadioglu. Following Salih Ozcan’s booking for Turkey, even Czech striker Patrik Schick, despite being off the pitch, received a yellow card for dissent, showcasing the heightened emotions of the encounter. In total, referee Kovacs issued an astonishing 18 cards: 16 yellow and two red. Remarkably, five yellow cards were given to substitutes or staff not actively playing, and even two Turkish players were cautioned for excessive celebration after Cenk Tosun’s decisive goal. Adding to the drama, Czech substitute Tomas Chory also received a red card after a post-match altercation, solidifying the game’s place in Euros history for disciplinary incidents.
Montella’s Tactical Masterclass: Unleashing Turkish Talent
Turkey’s coach Vincenzo Montella made a bold decision by starting young sensation Arda Guler, despite acknowledging pre-match concerns about his fitness. Alongside Guler, Kenan Yildiz also returned to the starting lineup, signaling Montella’s intent to inject youthful dynamism into the team. A key tactical tweak was repositioning captain Hakan Calhanoglu from his usual deep-lying midfield role at Inter Milan to a more advanced attacking midfield position. This strategic shift aimed to concentrate Turkey’s most technically gifted players in attacking areas, posing a complex challenge for the Czech Republic’s three-man defense by denying them a traditional center-forward to mark.
Once the Czech Republic were reduced to ten men, Turkey’s creative players found more space to operate and combine. Guler, displaying no signs of injury limitations, showcased his flair with an acrobatic volley that required a crucial intervention to prevent a goal. Yildiz also exhibited exceptional dribbling skills, weaving past multiple Czech defenders, although his aggressive play also resulted in a yellow card. Despite dominating possession, Turkey initially struggled to create clear-cut chances against the disciplined ten-man Czech defense.
The breakthrough arrived in the second half, again sparked by Yildiz’s direct play. His powerful shot was parried by Czech goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek, who unfortunately sustained an injury in the process. The rebound fell perfectly for Calhanoglu, who unleashed an unstoppable strike into the net. Montella’s vision of deploying Turkey’s most technically gifted players – the experienced Calhanoglu alongside emerging stars Guler and Yildiz – proved to be a winning formula, unlocking the Czech defense and securing Turkey’s crucial opening goal.
Kenan Yildiz’s pass map against Czech Republic, highlighting his attacking influence in the Euro 2024 match.
Controversial Red Card: Harsh Decision or Justified?
The pivotal moment of the match was undoubtedly Antonin Barak’s red card. While his first yellow card for pulling back Ferdi Kadioglu was indisputable, the second yellow, leading to his dismissal, sparked considerable debate. Just minutes after his first booking, Barak attempted to control a loose ball under pressure from two Turkish midfielders. In a challenge with Salih Ozcan, Barak’s trailing foot made contact with Ozcan, who went down. Referee Kovacs initially played advantage but then called back play, issuing Barak a second yellow card and sending him off.
Antonin Barak receives his first yellow card for pulling back Ferdi Kadioglu early in the Euro 2024 match. (Julian Finney/Getty Images)
The decision divided opinion among pundits. Andros Townsend, commentating on British television, argued that the second challenge did not warrant a yellow card, suggesting Barak was in possession and the contact was merely a follow-through. Regardless of whether the decision was harsh or justified, Barak, an experienced player, arguably should have exercised more caution after already being booked in such a high-stakes game. The early red card undeniably changed the complexion of the match, forcing the Czech Republic to play with ten men for over 70 minutes and significantly impacting their tactical approach.
The challenge that resulted in Antonin Barak’s second yellow card and subsequent red card in the Euro 2024 game against Turkey. (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Chaos and Resilience: Turkey’s Unpredictable Euro Journey
Under the relatively new management of Italian coach Vincenzo Montella, who took charge in September, Turkey’s Euro 2024 campaign has been characterized by a degree of unpredictability. Montella has frequently rotated his lineup, and Turkey’s playing style appears fluid, sometimes bordering on chaotic. This variability has made them both exciting to watch and difficult for opponents to anticipate. Their Euro 2024 journey has been a rollercoaster, from an exhilarating win against Georgia to a disappointing defeat against Portugal, and finally, this hard-fought victory over the Czech Republic.
While Montella’s changes and tactical flexibility have yielded results, securing progression to the knockout stages of the turkey euro cup, the lack of consistent team structure has also shown vulnerabilities. A notable example was the own goal against Portugal, highlighting potential communication issues within the team. Even the goalkeeping position has seen changes; Mert Gunok, recalled for the Czech Republic match, made crucial saves but was also at fault for the Czech Republic’s equalizer, failing to secure a high ball effectively.
Turkey’s coach Vincenzo Montella issuing instructions during the tense Euro 2024 match against Czech Republic. (Photo by Ronny Hartmann / AFP)
Despite moments of chaos and defensive fragility, Turkey’s attacking flair and resilience have been undeniable assets. Calhanoglu’s goal exemplified their attacking dynamism, with a flurry of passes and attacking players overwhelming the Czech defense. This blend of organized chaos and passionate support from their vocal fans has carried Turkey through to the knockout stage. Even in the dying minutes, defending with a man advantage became frantic, and a disallowed Czech goal added to the tension. However, Turkey held on and then sealed the win with a late goal from Cenk Tosun, demonstrating their fighting spirit.
Post-Match Reactions: Czech Republic’s Disappointment
Czech Republic coach Ivan Hasek expressed his disappointment and frustration after the match. He acknowledged the significant impact of Barak’s early red card but refrained from directly blaming the referee for the defeat. Hasek pointed to their earlier missed opportunity against Georgia, suggesting that a win in that match would have drastically altered their situation in the group. Ultimately, the Czech Republic’s Euro 2024 campaign ended in disappointment, falling short of the knockout stages after a turbulent and card-filled final group game against Turkey.
What Awaits: Turkey vs Austria in the Round of 16
Turkey’s reward for their dramatic group stage progression is a challenging round of 16 clash against Austria. Austria, under Ralf Rangnick, are known for their highly organized and system-based approach, a stark contrast to Turkey’s more fluid style. Many Austrian players have a shared background from clubs within the Red Bull system, suggesting a strong team cohesion and tactical understanding. The upcoming match between Turkey’s chaos and Austria’s system promises to be a fascinating tactical battle in the turkey euro cup knockout stages.
What next for Czech Republic?
Saturday, September 7: Georgia (A), Nations League, 5pm BST, 12pm ET
What next for Turkey?
Tuesday, July 2: Austria (round of 16: Leipzig), 8pm BST, 3pm ET
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(Top photo: Gabriel Bouys /AFP via Getty Images)
