The doors are still open in Group D for the teams to qualify for the second round. A victory for the Czech Republic over Turkey and a loss for Croatia against Spain in the final matchday could see Czech finish second and Croatia 3rd based on goal difference. Turkey meanwhile at max can finish 3rd if they beat the Czech by a huge margin and that can be their only hope of making further progress in the competition.
Having said that a draw for both sides would also dent Czech’s chances of making it to the Round of 16 with results in group E and F becoming the deciding factor of their fortunes. The two sides have met nine times before with the Czechs having a better record of 5 wins, 3 losses and a draw against the Turks.
Turkey haven’t been much convincing in Euro 2016 and only a supreme effort backed up with luck can take them through but the Czechs are in no comfort zone either.
A match in which both teams needing to score without conceding is on the cards and so quite a bit of free flowing attacking football can be expected.
#1 Petr Cech
The vice-captain of the Czech Republic team also carries the tag of the most capped player of the national team with over 120 appearances. At 34, he’s showing no signs of slowing or stopping down and his experience and leadership abilities will come as a huge advantage for the Czechs.
His major strengths are shot stopping showing his immense reflexes. He is equally adept in saving long range and close range shots and his concentration over the course of 90 minutes on the pitch is one worth talking about.
Coming on the back of a good season at Arsenal where he kept 20 clean sheets in 42 games and conceded 42 goals across all club competitions, Cech is yet to keep a clean sheet at the Euro 2016. With both teams likely to attack as a win will only take them through Petr Cech is expected to be in full gear to help his team go through to the next round.
#2 Vladimir Darida
One of the most important players in the Czech Republic national team, Vladimir Darida is a versatile midfielder who operates usually in the central midfield, central attacking midfield, central defensive midfield and has at times also been used as a forward too.
The player can act as a pivot for the team while initiating attacks and also take part in defensive duties. His most important strengths include his excellent passing ability and he also holds on to the ball pretty well. Having had an excellent season at Hertha Berlin under Hungarian Pal Dardai, Darida’s passing vision and ability has improved considerably over the past season.
In order to secure a victory against the Turks, the game has to be controlled by the Czechs and hence the circulation of the ball from midfield will be very important.
#3 Emre Mor
A relatively new face in Turkish football, Emre Mor is just 18 years old. He’s already someone who’s grabbing media attention since his 10 million euros move to Borussia Dortmund from Nordsjælland. Having made his debut for Turkey earlier last month and has also made a substitute appearance in this tournament.
“The reason that Emre is here is that he is a player who is out of the ordinary,” said Turkish national team coach Terim before the start of the tournament. A right winger by trade, Mor's technical ability is instantly recognisable. Fearless with his attacking runs, he loves to dribble past opposition and is already one the highest dribblers in Europe if an average of 90 minutes is considered. Small but well built, he has the power to match his pace and confidence on the ball to complement his youth.
Although he is most effective on the wings, he is also capable of playing as a number nine. He is yet to score for the national team but he can prove to be the x-factor tonight just like Marcus Rashford has been this season at Old Trafford. The teenager is expected to be on the bench once again but who knows we may see a late winner coming from him, why not?
#4 Hakan Calhanoglu
A very talented player on the rise, Hakan Calhanoglu is a big face in the attacking midfield of the Turkish national team. Having played his professional career only in Germany so far, the Bayer Leverkusen midfielder is a very versatile player with him operating best in the central attacking midfield role. He can operate as a winger as well as a forward.
He is exceptionally strong in taking long shots, set-pieces and direct free-kicks which can prove to be a major threat for the Czechs as he is one of the best in his trade. He is also good in crossing and making key passes. He likes to cut inside during attack and play long balls so the Czech defense needs to be very aware of his presence in the field because if he’s given the space he will go for goal.
Turkey have a must win game in their hands to keep their hopes alive of staying in the competition and one brilliant set-piece from Calhanoglu could be decisive.
#5 Arda Turan
A household name in Turkey, Arda Turan has had a season to forget since his transfer from Atletico Madrid to Barcelona. He couldn't be used for the first 6 months due to a transfer ban imposed on the Catalans and he couldn’t make much out of the opportunities given to him in the 2nd half of the season.
The do or die situation Turkey are facing could give him a stronger reason to give everything he can to hit top gear again. A winger who can also operate as a wide forward and also an attacking midfielder, Arda is known for his excellent passing skills. Coupled with that, he is quite good in dribbling, holding on to the ball and also in defensive contribution. He is a player who prefers doing layoffs and short passes, is also a bit rash in nature with him committing fouls often due to unnecessary tackling.
A vital force in Turkish national team’s attack, Turan can make any team have a run for their money on his day and everyone in Turkey are praying he would be doing this tonight.
