Euro 2023: Turkey Advances to Last 16 with Dramatic 2-1 Win over Czechia
Tosun's Late Winner Sends Turkey to Euro 2024 Knockout Rounds
Turkey advances to Euro 2024 knockout stages with a thrilling 2-1 win over Czechia, sending the Czechs home. Hakan Calhanoglu and Cenk Tosun score for Turkey, who finish second in Group F.
Turkey secured a spot in the Euro 2024 knockout stages with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Czechia, eliminating the Czechs from the competition. Hakan Calhanoglu and Cenk Tosun scored for Turkey, while Tomas Soucek netted for Czechia, who had Antonin Barak sent off in the first half.
Turkey's advancement to the Last 16 was sealed by substitute Cenk Tosun's goal, their first since 2008. Vincenzo Montella's team only needed to avoid defeat to progress, and their chances improved when Antonin Barak received a red card in the 20th minute.
After the break, Turkey seemed in control until Hakan Çalhanoglu scored a stunning first-time effort from the left side of the field in the 51st minute. However, Tomas Soucek capitalized on a mistake by goalkeeper Mert Gunok soon after the hour mark, setting up a thrilling finish.
Cenk Tosun scored a brilliant goal in stoppage time to seal the win, despite the 10-man Czechs pushing hard against the Turkish penalty area. Turkey finished second in Group F, while Georgia advanced as one of the top third-place teams after their surprise win over Portugal, the group winners.
The Czechs, who reached the quarterfinals in the previous Euros, were eliminated early. Turkey has a history of defeating the Czechs in the final group match of the European Championship, and coach Ivan Hasek might have felt unlucky before the game even started.
Despite a bright start, the Czechs were reduced to 10 men due to a somewhat harsh red card, and they were already missing their top scorer, Patrik Schick, due to injury. However, they continued to fight and managed to create a chance for survival when one of their risky set pieces paid off.
Until deep into stoppage time, when Turkey scored a winner on the break, an unlikely comeback seemed possible. The Crescent Stars often make things difficult for themselves, but they always entertain. Despite being on the easier side of the draw, they remain dark horses to replicate their 2008 semifinal run.
Barış Alper Yılmaz won man of the match.
Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Turkey's 30-year-old Inter midfielder, capped off a strong individual performance with his first-ever European Championship goal in his third finals. He kept the game flowing in midfield, and his goal was a testament to his skill and determination.
No comments:
Leave comment here