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Cenk Tosun’s stoppage-time goal clinched a dramatic victory for Turkey over the Czech Republic in their final group game, setting up a round of 16 clash with Austria. The Czechs, needing a win to avoid elimination, pressed hard in the tense final moments but left themselves vulnerable at the back. Tosun, a former Everton striker, took advantage by cutting inside and firing a shot into the net.
The Czech Republic’s chances were dealt a blow when Antonin Barak was sent off midway through the first half for a second yellow card after a studs-up challenge on Arda Guler. In total, the match saw 18 cards shown, the most in a European Championship game. Turkey struggled to penetrate the Czech defense in the first half, ending without a shot on target. However, six minutes into the second half, captain Hakan Calhanoglu scored with a strike into the bottom corner, igniting the Turkish fans.
The Czechs, needing two goals to advance, leveled the score through West Ham’s Tomas Soucek, who volleyed in from close range. The game opened up as both teams sought a winner, and Tosun’s decisive goal in the 94th minute confirmed Turkey’s progression.
The match ended in chaotic scenes as players from both teams clashed, resulting in a second red card for the Czech Republic when Tomas Chory was sent off. Despite the heated ending, the Turkish players celebrated their dramatic win and advancement to the knockout stages.
The sunny weather in Hamburg may have contributed to the heated atmosphere, with 17 yellow cards shown before the late sending-off, according to Opta’s data. Eight of these bookings occurred after the 80th minute as both teams pushed for the winning goal. Even injured striker Patrik Schick received a yellow card despite not playing.
The indiscipline overshadowed what was otherwise an entertaining match, particularly after the Czech Republic’s equalizer made for a thrilling conclusion. Once the final whistle blew, Turkey’s passionate supporters rejoiced in another memorable victory over the Czech Republic at the Euros, recalling their comeback win in the 2008 tournament to advance from the group stage.
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