Key Matchup in Hamburg as Both Teams Vie for Knockout Stage Berth
The battle for second place in Group F of Euro 2024 heats up on Wednesday evening as Czech Republic takes on Turkey at Hamburg’s Volksparkstadion. With Portugal already confirmed as group winners, both teams know a victory is crucial to secure their place in the knockout rounds.
Read More interesting articles on trendystring.com
Czech Republic Seeks Redemption After Draw
Czech Republic came close to defeat in their last match against Georgia, needing a late equalizer from Patrik Schick to salvage a point. The Bayer Leverkusen striker etched his name in history by becoming the Czech Republic’s all-time top scorer at the European Championship, but a knock may keep him out of the crucial clash against Turkey.
Manager Ivan Hasek faces a selection dilemma upfront, with Adam Hlozek or Mojmir Chytil potentially stepping in if Schick is unavailable. West Ham duo Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal are expected to retain their starting roles in midfield and defense, respectively. However, both players, along with Schick, Tomas Holes, David Jurasek, and Lukas Provod, are on a yellow card and risk suspension if they are booked again.
Turkey Aims to Continue Winning Streak Against Czechs
Turkey, on the other hand, will be looking to extend their dominance over the Czech Republic. The Crescent Stars have emerged victorious in their last three meetings against the Czechs in all competitions, including two wins at the Euros (2008 and 2016).
Vincenzo Montella’s side suffered a heavy defeat to Portugal in their opening match but bounced back with a win against Georgia. The return of first-choice goalkeeper Mert Gunok would be a major boost for their defense, while young talents like Arda Guler could be set for a bigger role after recovering from a minor injury. Captain Hakan Calhanoglu remains a key figure in midfield, but he will need to tread carefully as another yellow card would result in a one-match suspension.
Prediction: A Close Encounter
While Czech Republic holds the slight advantage of playing at home (large Turkish fanbase in Germany), Turkey’s recent success against them cannot be ignored. The match is predicted to be a tight affair, with Turkey potentially edging out a narrow 1-0 victory.
Key Statistics
- Czech Republic have only won one of their last eight group stage matches at the Euros.
- Turkey is aiming to reach the knockout stages for the first time since their run to the semi-finals in 2008.
- Hakan Calhanoglu leads Turkey in touches, successful passes, passes into the final third, and possession won at Euro 2024.
Injuries
- Czech Republic: Patrik Schick (doubtful), David Jurasek (doubtful)
- Turkey: Orkun Kokcu (doubtful)
Suspensions
- Czech Republic: None
- Turkey: Abdulkerim Bardakci
Possible Starting Lineups
- Czech Republic: Stanek; Holes, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Soucek, Provod, Doudera; Barak, Hlozek (or Chytil);
- Turkey: Gunok (or Bayindir); Muldur, Demiral, Ayhan, Kadioglu; Yuksek, Calhanoglu; Akturkoglu, Guler, Yildiz; Yilmaz