Czech Republic will be a determined outfit, after a spirited comeback against Croatia in their last match, when they play Turkey at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis on Tuesday. A win in their last match will help them accumulate four points, and give them a real chance of making it to the knockout stages.
The Czechs might even finish second in the group with a win if Croatia lose to Spain in their last match. However, the Czech Republic can also progress if Croatia defeat Spain, and they register a win over Turkey, and increase their chances of qualifying as the third best team. For such permutations to take shape, they have to play some quality football against Turkey, who are searching for their first points of Euro 2016.
Turkey might have been decent against Croatia despite the loss, but they were taught a lesson by Spain, who beat them 3-0 in their last encounter. Turkey might have given up too easily during the Spain game, which will not be the way to go for this match, as they too have an outside chance of making it to the round of 16 -- with a win -- as one of the best third-placed teams.
With Czech Republic and Turkey both having a shot at making the round of 16, they need to shine on Tuesday. Both teams will aim for three points, and if the match ends in a draw, it could end both their Euro 2016 campaigns.
Czech Republic and Turkey are no strangers to one another, as they were involved in the same group during the qualifying phases. There is hardly anything to choose between the two teams, as they emerged victorious in their respective away fixtures.
In such a crucial encounter, both teams would love to have all their star players fit and raring to go. But the Czechs have received a major blow as their influential player; Tomis Rosicky, has been ruled out of the competition with a hamstring injury. In his absence Borek Dockal and Jiri Skalak will play an important role in midfield. Tomas Necid will lead the line, and look for goals while their star goalkeeper, Petr Cech, will need to be at his best, not allowing Turkey to score a goal.
Turkey, after losing to Spain 3-0, are expected to make some changes to their starting lineup, and the much-talked about youngster Emre Mor and experienced Nuri Sahin could get the nod. However, it is their defensive pairing of Semih Kaya and Hakan Balta, who need to be on top of their game, as Turkey have already conceded four goals in the competition.
Expected starting XI: Czech Republic: Cech; Kaderabek, Sivok, Hubnik, Gebre Selassie; Darida, Pavelka; Skalak, Dockal, Krejci; Necid.
Turkey: Babacan; Ozbayrakli, Kaya, Balta, Koybasi; Topal, Inan; Sahin, Calhanoglu, Mor; Tosun.
