In a crucial Group F game at Hamburg's Volksparkstadion on Wednesday, Turkey and the Czech Republic will compete for a spot in the Euro 2024 knockout phase.
Both teams aim to join group winners Portugal in the last 16, with Turkey needing just a draw to secure second place, while the Czech Republic must win and hope Georgia does not pull off an upset.
The Crescent-Stars can draw inspiration from their history against the Czech Republic, having won their two previous European Championship meetings in the final group games. A memorable 3-2 comeback victory in 2008 was followed by a 2-0 win at Euro 2016. Another win on Wednesday would secure their place in the knockout rounds.
The Czech Republic, inspired by star striker Patrik Schick, salvaged a point against Georgia last time out. Schick's second-half equalizer denied Georgia their first major tournament victory after Georges Mikautadze's penalty had put the Czechs in a precarious position. Schick's goal, his sixth in seven European Championship appearances, kept their hopes alive.
Despite failing to secure a win, Ivan Hasek's side still controls their destiny. To advance, the Czechs must beat Turkey and hope Georgia does not defeat Portugal. If both win, goal difference will determine the second-place finisher. A draw could end the Czech Republic's journey, and a loss would definitely eliminate them.
The Czech squad arrived in Germany with a run of five straight wins in friendlies but have won only four of their last 15 competitive matches. Furthermore, they have secured maximum points in just one of their last eight group games at the European Championship, dating back to their win against Scotland three years ago.
Patrik Schick rescued the Czech Republic from defeat against Georgia last weekend and became his country's all-time top scorer at the European Championship. However, the Bayer Leverkusen forward is a major doubt for Wednesday's showdown.
Including performances in the World Cup and as Czechoslovakia, only Oldrich Nejedly (seven goals) has scored more at major international tournaments for the Czech national team. Despite his prowess, Patrik Schick is likely to be sidelined for this crucial match.
If Schick is unavailable, Mojmir Chytil or Schick's clubmate Adam Hlozek are the likely candidates to fill the void, possibly even pairing up as Ivan Hasek seeks to take the initiative in this must-win encounter.
Few other changes are expected, with West Ham United duo Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal playing influential roles in central midfield and at right wing-back, respectively. Both players, along with Schick, Tomas Holes, David Jurasek, and Lukas Provod, are at risk of missing a potential last-16 tie due to previous bookings.
A large Turkish fan base is expected in Hamburg, given the significant Turkish community in Germany. Turkey will advance as group runners-up if they avoid defeat.Only a loss, combined with a Georgian win, could jeopardize their progression. If successful, it will mark Turkey's first advancement to the knockout phase since their unforgettable run to the semi-finals at Euro 2008.
Despite a 3-0 loss to Portugal in their last match, where a mix-up between goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and defender Samet Akaydin led to an own goal, Turkey's 3-1 victory over Georgia in their opener puts them in a strong position. With only three losses in their last 16 competitive matches, the Crescent-Stars need just a point to secure their spot in the next round.
Turkey head coach Vincenzo Montella hopes to have first-choice goalkeeper Mert Gunok back in action. Gunok missed the defeat to Portugal with a knee injury, and it remains uncertain if he can replace Altay Bayindir immediately.
Orkun Kokcu is dealing with an ankle issue, but Irfan Can Kahveci participated in full training and should be available.
Elsewhere, Real Madrid prodigy Arda Guler, who was limited to a cameo role on Saturday due to a minor groin injury, could be ready to start against the Czech Republic.
Abdulkerim Bardakci, having received his second booking in two games, will serve a suspension, paving the way for Merih Demiral to step into Turkey's backline.
Captain Hakan Calhanoglu, a pivotal figure in midfield, currently leads his team in touches (191), successful passes (149), passes into the final third (20), and possession won (14) at Euro 2024. However, Calhanoglu, along with Samet Akaydin and Zeki Celik, are all just one booking away from a suspension.
The Runner-up of Group F will face Group D winners Austria in the last-16. Whereas both sides are aiming to join Group F winners Portugal in the knockout phase, Turkey must simply avoid defeat to wrap up second place, while the Czech Republic must win and hope Georgia fails to cause an upset.
Turkey were arguably second best to Portugal in their previous game, however, they know a point against the Czech Republic will definitely book their place in the last-16.
Even though the Czech recorded the most shots and highest xG of any side across the opening two group games in their draw with Georgia, they managed to score just once.
With that said, Ivan Hasek's men simply cannot afford to be so profligate on Wednesday, when the Turkish attackers will counter through a skilful set of players. Indeed, Vincenzo Montella's side might look dubious defensively, but if some of the young stars shine brightly they might claim a win.
