Czech Republic vs Turkey preview

Posted on | June 15, 2008 | No Comments

The Czech Republic face Turkey in a winner-takes-all fixture in Geneva. With both teams tied on points, with the same number of goals scored and conceded, we could see a penalty shootout in the group stage of the Championship for the first time should no winner emerge after ninety minutes.

The Czechs started off with a 1-0 win against Switzerland, but lost to group favourites Portugal 1-3 in their next game. In that game, Bruckner started with Baros instead of Koller. One has to wait to see whether he plays both and sacrifices a midfielder in this one. Jan Polak is the only Czech player on a yellow, but things like that probably matter very little going into a do or die clash like this. The last time the Czechs were in a do or die clash at a major tournament, they lost to Italy in the 2006 World Cup. They however do have an excellent record at penalty shootouts in the European Championships, winning all three that they have taken part in. Copenhagen forward Libor Sionko has been in good form for the Czechs, having scored both their tournament goals so far.

Turkey broke Swiss hearts when Arda Turan’s injury time strike saw them beat the hosts 2-1 in Basel. Turkey will be bidding to repeat their Euro 2000 feat- when they qualified for the group stages after losing their opening game. Injuries will keep skipper Emre Belozoglu and defender Gokhan Zan out of this clash. Mehmet Topal will replace Tumer Metin, while Emre Gungor will take Emre Asik’s spot in defence. Gokdeniz Karadeniz, who started against Switzerland, will start on the bench, with Semih Senturk taking his place. Senturk scored the Turkish equalizer against Portugal after coming on as a half time substitute. St.Jakob Park is expected to witness rain tonight, and the Turks may have to play in the same conditions they played the hosts.

Turkey do not have an enviable record against the Czechs. In their last four games, they have lost three and drawn one. The latter will probably be marginal favourites to win this game, but Turkey might just be able to pull this off. Both teams have not been the strongest at the back, and we should see plenty of goals. Turkey to win 3-2, or on penalties. Possible scorers-Tuncay, Senturk, Nihat, Sionko, Baros and Koller

Related posts:

1. Portugal vs Czech Republic preview
2. ‘Czech’ this game out–Czech Republic vs Ghana
3. Czech Republic vs Italy preview
4. Switzerland vs Czech Republic preview
5. Croatia vs Turkey preview

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