Euro 2024: Czech Republic vs Turkey tips and predictions - Defensive masterclass can lead Czechs to victory
- George Dempsey
- 25 June 2024
Czech Republic and Turkey will clash in Hamburg on Wednesday night (2000 BST) with the winner guaranteed to progress to the Round of 16
The Czech Republic and Turkey will learn their fate when they meet in Hamburg on Wednesday night, but more than that, they’ll decide other teams' fate, too.
A win for either side guarantees they’ll finish in the top two in Group E, while Turkey can afford to settle for a draw. However, the result dictates who can qualify in third place.
As it stands, groups A, D and E are likely to claim three of the four spots. If the Czechs fail to win, one more point could be enough if Georgia, Slovenia and Serbia were to lose.
Routine wins for Portugal and Turkey would mean either Croatia or a Group C side, whoever has the better goal difference come Wednesday morning, could still qualify.
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However, we’re predicting the Czech Republic to get their first win of the tournament over Turkey, which could leave Vincenzo Montella’s side at risk of going home.
They produced some exciting football and spectacular goals in their 3-1 win over Georgia, but the 3-0 defeat to Portugal reminded us this is a team that has its defensive struggles.
Saturday’s thumping was the third time in five matches they’ve allowed two or more goals and we shouldn’t forget they lost 6-1 against Austria as recently as March.
Czechia don’t produce such outbursts, but they are unbeaten in eight of nine and so nearly pinched a point from their game with Portugal. Their strength is their defence.
There are question marks over the fitness of Patrik Schick and although his inclusion would help, they had a plethora of scorers during qualifying and have found the net in their last nine.
We’ve seen Ivan Hasek’s side manage the first half of games well. We’re willing to bet they can frustrate Turkey early on and get a grip on the game in the second half.
Team news
The Czech Republic are sweating on the fitness of Patrik Schick after he was withdrawn with a knock during the second half against Georgia.
West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal and Tomas Soucek will feature again in what may be an unchanged side.
Arda Guler was dropped against Portugal with manager Montella saying he wasn’t fit to play more than 20 minutes.
Abdulkerim Bardaci is suspended for Turkey while Samet Akaydin, the scorer of an own-goal against Portugal, is a doubt.
Key stats
- The Czech Republic have scored at least one goal in each of their last nine matches
- Czech Republic’s loss to Portugal is their only defeat in nine matches
- Turkey have conceded 16 goals in their last eight matches
- Turkey have lost seven of their last nine matches at the European Championships
