Turkey beat Czech Republic 2-1 to qualify for Euro 2024 knockouts

Turkey defeated Czech Republic 2-1 on Wednesday as they reached the knockout stage of the 2024 European Championship in Germany. 

The Czechs came into the game knowing they needed to win to avoid being eliminated. 

And though they really pushed for victory in the final stages of the game, Cenk Tosun ended their Euro 2024 hopes by scoring a stoppage-time winner. 

Turkey initially struggled to create scoring opportunities but they received a significant boost when midfielder Antonin Barak saw a red card in the 20th minute, forcing their opponents to play with a numerical disadvantage for most of the game. 

Vincenzo Montella’s side broke the deadlock six minutes after the break when captain Hakan Calhanoglu smashed into the bottom right-corner with a low shot. 

They would have doubled their advantage if forward Arda Guler hadn’t missed a close-range chance. 

The mistake proved costly as Czech Republic levelled the scores with a superb volley from West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek. 

Both sides pushed for victory but it was Turkey who fired the winning goal in the 94th minute, with Tosun delivering the decisive strike. 

Chaotic scenes were seen right at the end as players of the two teams clashed with each other, with the Czechs losing another player (Tomas Chory) to a red card. 

The result means Turkey will now lock horns with Austria on July 2nd in Leipzig. 

Vincenzo Montella’s men started off their Euro 2024 campaign by beating Georgia 3-1 before falling to a demoralising 3-0 loss to Portugal. 

However, they sealed their progress to the last-16 with an excellent victory against Czech Republic.