By Oladunjoye Oluwaseun
Czech Republic lock horns with Turkey in the final game of Euro 2016 Group D, as the two teams search for a last redemption of a place in the next round.
Turkey will be playing their last game of Euro 2016 after suffering a 3-0 thrashing from the hand of the defending champions Spain. The Fatih Terim tutored side has failed to score in their 190 minute action in France. Even after the dismal defeats in the first two games, Turkey could still qualify as one of the best third placed teams if they beat Czech Republic on Tuesday night.
Czech Republic on the other hand, opened a slim door of a hope to advance to the round of 16, by forcing Croatia to a 2-2 draw on Friday. Pavel Vrba’s men cancelled out two goal deficit to savage their first point of the tournament. They must win here by a margin or two or more to overtake Croatia, if the later suffers a loss to Spain. Otherwise, Czech Republic will be in line to qualify for the knockouts as one of the best third placed teams.
Czech Republic: Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1)
Cech: Kaderabek, Hubnik, Sivok, Limbersky: Plasil, Rosicky, Krejci, Daida, Skalak: Skoda
Turkey: Predicted line-up (4-3-3)
Babacau: Baita, Gonul, Topal, Caner, Erkin: Selcuk, Ozyakup, Tufua: Yilmaz, Arda, Sahin
Czech Republic vs Turkey: Head to Head stats
Both side had a feel of each other during the qualification phase for this competition. The two legged qualification clash ended with both side earning an away victory each.
These two sides are facing for the second time in three Euro tournaments. The Euro 2008 Group A clash between the sides produced one of the memorable comebacks in Turkish football history. Nihat Kahveci strike twice inside 3 minutes to give Turkey a 3-2 win and handed Czech Republic and early exit from the tournament.
However, in their last 4 meetings since they met at Euro 2008, both side have shared two wins each.
Czech Republic vs Turkey: Prediction
With a chance of a possible round of 16 place, I expect Czech Republic to bring in more energy into the clash considering their improved shot at goal of 7 in their clash against Croatia, compared 3 fired in their first game against Spain.
Turkey performance in the tournament defensive wise is poor as they have conceded an average of 2 goals per game (i.e 4 goals in 2 games). And having just a meagre 6 shots on goal in their first game against Croatia and none in their Friday goal fest clash with Spain.
I will however predict the maximum point for Czech, if they can build on the Croatia turn around performance. But Turkey has got pride to fight for and would want to have at least a point to their name in the 2016 edition of Euro Championship. Surely this clash will produce goals in the later periods of second half.
Score Prediction: Czech Republic 2-1 Turkey.
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