Czechia head into the final group game under immense pressure to deliver as they take on Turkiye, who may need only a point to qualify.
Czechia fans will see the similarities between this Euro campaign and the one back in 2016, when their team failed to win any of their group games, with the third game then played against Turkiye, which they lost. They are in a similar situation after two Group F games, and they are winless ahead of the clash with Turkiye.
Czechia are coming into this one with an outside chance on paper. But should they manage a victory, they might finish second in the group, barring a scenario where Georgia manage to down Portugal to a heavy defeat in their game. Predictions need to be made in order before these Group F clashes, and Czechia are in a must-win situation.
In the last game, they could only manage a draw against Georgia, although their overall performances at the Euros have been nothing short of resilient. They were somewhat unlucky against Portugal in the opening clash. Still, many believe they did shoot themselves in the foot for failing to beat Georgia and finding themselves in such a precarious, must-win position.
Meanwhile, Turkiye still have work to do ahead of finalising their place in the knockout phases. After their opening game win over Georgia, they struggled for relevance against group leaders Portugal, as the Selecao put them to the sword to qualify for the next round.
As things stand, Turkey are second, but should they fall into the third-placed pool, they will have a certain chance to progress. A draw with Czechia would be enough for Vincenzo Montella’s side to qualify, barring a terrific display from Georgia against Portugal, where they managed a victory.
Overall, Turkiye are in a comfortable position to qualify, and all they need is 90 minutes full of concentration against Czechia. A draw would still seem enough, although Montella would want a win and put any questions about their chances to qualify to bed.
Team News & Tactics
Czechia
Czechia do have a big problem in the form of Patrik Schick, who was forced off against Georgia, as he rescued a point for the team with his second-half strike. While the striker is expected to feature and pass a fitness test, should he stay out of the starting lineup, Adam Hlozek could be in line to replace him up front.
Alternatively, given the need for a potent attacking setup in a must-win game of this sort, Czechia manager Ivan Hasek might even try to start with both those attackers in a front-two. In fact, Hlozek might play slightly behind Schick in the lineup, as Vaclav Cerny will be the other attacker in the mix.
Beyond that, any changes are hard to foresee from Hasek, who will rely on the experience of players such as Vladimir Coufal and Tomas Soucek. Lukas Provod and David Jurasek also needed to play a key role in that midfield four alongside the West Ham United duo.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Stanek; Holes, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Soucek, Provod, Jurasek; Cerny, Hlozek; Schick
Turkiye
Vincenzo Montella will be hoping to have his first-choice keeper fit and available. Mert Gunok might be back in the mix, as Altay Biyandir failed to take his chance in an error-riddled display against Portugal.
There is more positive news in the form of Irfan Can Kahveci, who took part in full training and might be available. Meanwhile, Arda Guler could also start after a minor groin issue cast some doubts about his participation.
There is one suspension in the form of Abdulkerin Bardakci, with experienced defender Merih Demiral in place to replace him in that back four. Apart from that, Montella might be able to name his strongest eleven to take on Czechia, as he will count on the experience of skipper Hakan Calhanoglu to get through such a pressure game.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Gunok; Celik, Akaydin, Demiral, Kadioglu; Calhanoglu, Ayhan; Guler, Kokcu, Yildiz; Yilmaz
Key Stats
- Czechia have lost their last three games against Turkiye in all competitions.
- Czechia’s only two games against Turkiye at the Euros have been on matchday 3, losing both.
- Turkiye have won their last three away matches against Czechia in all competitions.
- Turkiye have scored at least two goals in all of their last three away matches against Czechia.
Player to Watch
Hakan Calhanoglu
The Turkiye skipper needs to banish his and the team’s performance against Portugal to get their focus back on track ahead of a pivotal clash with Czechia. While Vincenzo Montella’s men are not in immediate danger of getting eliminated, they still have to gain a point at the very least, although Turkiye will take a win all day long.
While this game might seem like one with less pressure on Turkiye, Calhanoglu must urge his teammates to keep focus and get the job done. To do that, the team will need the Inter Milan midfielder’s experience and leadership to play a big role.
Prediction
Czechia 1-1 Turkiye
This is a game where Czechia will face a must-win situation and will approach the game likewise, whereas Turkiye may feel they need to stay pragmatic with their approach. Hence, the different styles might clash and make the game more cagey on the pitch.
Turkiye have the means to score goals, but there are doubts whether they will take unwanted risks that could expose their otherwise weak defensive setup. Czechia will try their best to get an early goal, but Turkiye are expected to defend diligently, which could see this game end in a draw,
