EURO 2024: CZECH REPUBLIC VS. TURKEY: PREVIEW, PREDICTION & BETTING PICKS

This one has all the makings of a barnstormer and is a tough one to predict. Turkey probably have the edge in terms of individual quality, but based on performances it feels like the Czechs are the more cohesive, disciplined unit. Turkey took three points off Georgia while the Czech Republic managed only a point, but the Czechs were far more dominant against the Georgians than Turkey were and they also pushed Portugal far, far more than the Turks could come close to managing.Ultimately, Turkey have a recent history of underperforming when it matters while the Czechs have a very good recent record in this competition, so based on all the factors mentioned we think the Eastern Europeans are a good bet to get the job done here. Czech Republic 2-1 Turkey.

As the Euro 2024 group stages near their conclusion, the match between the Czech Republic and Turkey promises to be a crucial encounter for both sides. Scheduled for this Wednesday, the game is set to determine the fate of both teams in Group F. Here, we delve into the current standings and what each team needs to secure their spot in the knockout stages.

• Date: 26/06/2024
• Kick-off time: 16:00 EST
• Location: Volksparkstadion, Hamburg

The Czech Republic find themselves in a precarious position in Group F, sitting in third place with just one point from their first two matches. Their campaign began with a heartbreaking defeat to Portugal followed by a disappointing draw against Georgia, a set of results that has left them with a significant task ahead, needing a victory in their final group game to have a chance of progressing to the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams, or even as group runners up.The match against Georgia was particularly frustrating for the Czechs, as they had expected to secure all three points against what many consider the weakest team in the group. The draw has put them under immense pressure, as they now have no choice but to aim for a win against Turkey to keep their tournament hopes alive. The Czech Republic’s manager, Ivan Hašek, will undoubtedly be focusing on rallying his team to rise to the occasion.Despite their low points tally, the Czechs have shown glimpses of strong performances in the tournament. Their gameplay has been of a quality deserving of more than the solitary point they currently hold, and they will be hoping to convert these performances into a tangible result on Wednesday.

Turkey, on the other hand, are in a slightly better position. They sit second in Group F with three points, having started their campaign with a thrilling win against Georgia. However, their momentum was halted by a heavy defeat to Portugal in their second game. Despite the loss, Turkey can take heart from their overall improvement compared to their last Euros performance, where they finished bottom of their group with zero points.

For Turkey, the scenario is more straightforward. A draw against the Czech Republic would give them an excellent chance of reaching the last 16, while a win would guarantee their progression to the knockout stages. Turkish manager Vincenzo Montella will be aiming to regroup his squad and capitalise on their favourable position.Recent history favours Turkey in this fixture, who have won three of the last five meetings between the two sides, including all of the last three encounters. The most recent clash was in 2022, where Turkey secured a 2-1 victory.

Under Ivan Hašek’s management, the Czech Republic have shown a tendency to play a disciplined and organised game. Hašek’s strategy has often involved a solid defensive setup, aiming to frustrate opponents and then capitalise on counter-attacks. Against Turkey, they will need to balance this defensive solidity with a more aggressive approach to secure the win they desperately need.The Czech Republic will likely look to their key players to step up. Their midfield will be crucial in controlling the game and providing the necessary support to their forwards. Players like Tomáš Souček and Patrik Schick could play pivotal roles in breaking down the Turkish defence.Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey have exhibited a more dynamic and attacking style of play. Their opening win against Georgia was a testament to their offensive capabilities, where they showcased a fluid attacking setup. However, their heavy defeat to Portugal highlighted some defensive vulnerabilities that need addressing.

Montella might opt for a balanced approach against the Czechs, ensuring that their attacking flair is matched by a solid defensive structure. Key players for Turkey will include Hakan Çalhanoğlu, who can dictate the pace of the game from midfield, and Barış Alper Yılmaz, whose goal-scoring ability could be crucial.For the Czech Republic, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With just one point from two games, they must secure a victory to stand a chance of progressing to the knockout stages. A draw or a loss would almost certainly see them exit the tournament, a scenario they will be desperate to avoid.Turkey, while in a more comfortable position, will still be under pressure to perform. A draw would put them in a strong position to advance, but a win would remove any doubt and guarantee their place in the last 16. Even a defeat would give them a chance of progression, albeit much more slim, but that's not an outcome they'll want to risk.

This game will be aired live to all USA viewers on FOX.

Czech Republic Team News:

Striker Patrik Schick is a doubt for the Czechs with a calf strain in a potential injury absence that would be a giant blow. If he's deemed unfit, Ondřej Lingr could be the man to deputise. David Douděra and Antonín Barák could also be handed places in the starting XI.Vladimír Coufal, Tomáš Holeš, David Jurásek, Lukáš Provod, Patrik Schick and Tomáš Souček are all one booking away from missing the round of 16, should the Czechs get there.

Turkey Team News:

Arda Güler is expected to return to the starting XI here after starting on the bench in the defeat to Portugal last time out owing to a knock.Mert Günok could return between the sticks, while Merih Demiral and İsmail Yüksek may both come into the starting lineup.Samet Akaydin, Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Zeki Çelik will all miss a potential round of 16 tie if booked in this game.

The Czech Republic are coming into this game having won three, drawn one and lost one of their last five games. The Czechs began their tournament with a narrow 2-1 defeat to Portugal, a game they were mightily unlucky not to have taken something from. Ivan Hašek's side frustrated the Portuguese with an excellently compact and disciplined off-the-ball structure, and just past the hour mark they took the lead with a fantastic finish from Lukáš Provod from dustance.

Portugal eventually equalised thanks to a very fortunate own goal from Robin Hranáč, before Francisco Conceição pounced on a lucky deflection following a cross to slot home in injury-time.The Czechs will have been hugely disappointed to lose but no doubt they'll have been proud of their performance, and they exhibited another show of competence in a dominating performance against Georgia in a 1-1 draw in their second group game. The Czech Republic dominated the Georgians, registering 27 shots, a tournament high, while accumulating 3.11 xG. Despite Patrick Schick's goal in the second half, they could not push on to win the game and had to settle for a point.

Turkey's tournament started with an enthralling 2-1 win over Georgia. The game was a back-and-forth encounter, with Mert Müldür opening the scores with a fine volley from distance in the first half before Georgia equalised and subsequently took control of the game.

Both sides had their chances in the second half, but an exquisite goal from distance by Arda Güler proved decisive, as Turkey clung onto their slender lead with some last-ditch defending before sealing the game on the counter in the final seconds of the game thanks to Muhammed Kerem Aktürkoğlu.

Turkey followed that game up with a comprehensive 3-0 defeat against Portugal in a game that saw them thoroughly bested against a superior team, with Portugal enjoying 57% of the ball while registering 12 shots.