Turkey secured a dramatic last-gasp victory over the Czech Republic to advance to the knockout stages of Euro 2024. The match, played in a tense atmosphere in Hamburg, saw Turkey emerge 2-1 victors despite a red card for the Czechs in the first half.
Controversial Red Card for Czechs
The turning point arrived midway through the first half when Czech midfielder Antonin Barak received a second yellow card for a seemingly harsh tackle. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Czechs held firm defensively and even threatened on the counter-attack.
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Stalemate Broken, Czechs Fight Back
Early in the second half, Hakan Calhanoglu broke the deadlock for Turkey with a well-placed shot from inside the box. The Czechs, however, refused to surrender and equalized through Tomas Soucek in the 66th minute. A tense battle ensued, with both sides pushing for a winner.
Tosun Saves the Day
Just as it seemed the game was headed for a draw, former Everton striker Cenk Tosun popped up in stoppage time to snatch victory for Turkey. The win secures second place in the group for Turkey, setting up a clash with Austria in the first knockout stage.
Disappointment for Czechs
While valiant in their effort despite playing a man down for most of the match, the Czechs ultimately fell short and will be left disappointed with their Euro 2024 exit. A red card for
The game ended in yet more chaos after a brawl broke out between some of the Czech and Turkish players leading Tomas Chory to be sent off after the final whistle.
Turkey meanwhile head into the next round of the European Championships for the first time in 16 years.
The Turkish side will enjoy a raucous support from the large diaspora population in Germany who have made each game have the feel of a home match.
