The Czech Republic is on the brink of elimination in the Euro 2024, with a must-win scenario against Turkey looming large. After a disappointing 3-1 loss to Portugal and a frustrating 1-1 draw against Georgia, the Czechs find themselves in a precarious position in Group F. A win is imperative if they are to keep their hopes of progressing alive.
Failure to secure victory would mark only the second time in their European Championship history that they exit the group stage without a win, echoing their fate in 2016. In a twist of fate, it was Turkey who sealed their early exit in that tournament with a 2-0 defeat in Lens.
The historical record does not favor the Czech Republic. In their last eight encounters with Turkey, the Czechs have managed only two victories, suffering five defeats. This record undoubtedly adds an extra layer of pressure as they prepare for their crucial match.
The current form of the Czech team has been underwhelming. Their defense, which conceded three goals against Portugal, has been a point of concern. The midfield, often seen as the backbone of their play, has struggled to maintain possession and create clear-cut chances. The absence of key players due to injuries has further compounded their problems, leaving Coach Jaroslav Šilhavý with limited options.
On the other hand, Turkey comes into this match with a renewed sense of confidence. Despite an opening match loss to Georgia, they bounced back with a stunning 2-1 victory over Portugal. Their attacking prowess, led by star forward Burak Yılmaz, has been impressive, and they will look to exploit the vulnerabilities in the Czech defense.
For the Czech Republic, the approach to this game needs to be pragmatic. They must strike a balance between solidifying their defense and being adventurous in attack. The midfield duo of Tomáš Souček and Alex Král will be crucial in breaking up Turkish attacks and initiating forward moves. The onus will also be on striker Patrik Schick to rediscover his scoring touch and lead the line effectively.
