Czech Republic Heartbroken After Turkey Comeback, and Switzerland Beat Portugal
Turkey 3 v 2 Czech Republic, Switzerland 2 v 0 Portugal
Could this be the game of the tournament so far? With the Czech Republic 2-0 up and seemingly heading for the quarter-finals, Turkey staged a major comeback and won the game 3-2 to go through to the next round. This is the kind of football we all want to see - Greece take note!
Meanwhile, Portugal - who have already qualified as group winners - lose 2-0 to Switzerland.
With both games kicking off at the same time, the only important encounter was the one in Geneva with both the Czech’s and Turkey fighting it out for a place in the quarter-finals to meet Croatia. With the Swiss already eliminated, and Portugal already confirmed as group winners, the other Group A match could almost be classed as a friendly.
The Czech’s started the game strongly, and it always looked as though they would be the first to score. Turkey’s resolve was finally broken in the 34th minute when the tall presence of Koller paid dividends. The striker was dropped for the game with Portugal, but was restored to the starting line-up tonight, and he was a constant threat in the box. Koller headed home, despite Turkish keeper Demirel getting a hand to the ball.
The second-half started with Turkey knowing they had to improve on their awful first period. The Turks were playing all out attack, which left them exposed to the counter attack. This was proved just after the hour mark, when Plasil put the Czech Republic 2-0 up - meeting Sionko’s cross on the half-volley and placed his shot past the helpless Demirel.
The game looked over - despite Turkey’s efforts. With 15 minutes remaining the Turks were given a glimmer of hope when Turan drove in a shot past Petr Cech. In the 87th minute, an out-of-character mistake by Chelsea keeper Cech allowed Turkey to draw level. Cech dropped a cross and Nihat jumped on the chance to equalise, making no mistakes.
With the match set for a nail-biting penalty shoot-out, Nihat scored again to make it 3-2. The winner was a fantastic effort, hit powerfully in off the crossbar. Keeper Demirel was sent off shortly afterwards for a push on Koller to ensure a nervous last few minutes. Turkey survived, and qualify for the quarter-finals after possibly the best European Championship comeback in history.
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Switzerland v Portugal
With the Swiss already out of the tournament, and Portugal already through, this game was purely a matter of pride. It was the Swiss who came off best against Portugal’s second string. With Deco, Ronaldo et al rested, this was without doubt a weakened Portuguese line-up. Credit must still go to the Swiss though, who deserved their win.
Yakin scored twice for Switzerland, both in the second-half. In the 71st minute he slotted the ball through Ricardo’s legs. His second (and third of Euro 2008) came with 7 minutes left on the clock from the penalty spot - after Fernando Meira brought down substitute Tranquillo Barnetta in the box.
It ensures that the Swiss finish on a high note, and their fans were given a reason to cheer before they leave the tournament. The co-hosts now have to sit back and watch the remainder of the tournament from the stands.
