Turkey vs. Czech Republic (3-2, Koller, 34′, Placil, 62′, Adra Turan, 75′, Nihat, ‘87, ‘89)
One of the most awesome matches I’ve ever seen. The Czechs dominated the first 45, then the Turks dominated the last 45. Koller scored on a screaming header to open his account for Euro 2008, and Jaroslav Placil scored a tough goal on a ball by Libor Sionko, as it barely eased past Volkan Demeriel for a 2-0 lead. At this time, the Czechs were in total control, and kept attacking until the half ended. Questions were asked whether or not the Turks got shafted because they didn’t get their 11th man back onto the field on time, but time resumed. However, after the half, the Turks literally took over the match. As the rain started to pour once again, the Turks felt right at home, attacking to no end, led by Tuncay and Adra Turan. Their attacks didn’t come to any fruition until the 75th minute when Adra Turan rocketed a show near-post through Petr Cech for a 2-1 scoreline. Many thought Cech should’ve gotten to it – I disagree. It would’ve always been tough, especially with the slick surface. The Turks kept on pushing and finally, lady luck fell on their side as Altintop’s cross was bobbled by Cech and Nihat had his first goal of the tournament. Two minutes later, Ujfalusi and Rozehnal tried to play offsides trap with Nihat but he broke it, went on on goal and fired a beautiful shot to the top right-hand corner, past Petr Cech, grazing the bottom of the crossbar, and that put the Turks up for good. It was an amazing turn of events for the Czechs, who thought they had wrapped up the match. However, as the match ended, tempers started to flare and Milan Baros was booked for dissent on the touchline, while Turkish goalkeeper Volkan Demeriel was sent off for shoving Jan Koller as he tried to waste time. It’ll be interesting to see who the Turks stick in goal for the next match, an elimination match against the Croats. Nevertheless, a ridiculous win for the Turks.
Goalkeepers – Cech played so well for 75 minutes, and then he choked. Questions have to be asked now whether or not he’s a big game goalkeeper. Of course, he’s one of the best in the world, but he choked, big time. Volkan had a decent match, but lost his cool, got red carded, and now he’s suspended for the next match. The Turks will be playing the Croatians, so this could turn out to be a huge error on Demeriel’s part.
Defenders – Two pretty bad defenses. The Czech defense started out so strongly, with Grygera and Jankulovski playing so well at fullback and Ufjalusi and Rozehnal playing so well at central defense. However, when the tough gets going, the going gets tough, and they choked, big time. Adra Turan and Altintop ran circles around Jankulvoski, Grygera and Placil on the right and left flanks, and Nihat shredded through the Czech defense. The Turkish makeshift defense played a lot better than I expected, but still were far from perfect. Emre Asik and Servet don’t look like the best partnership in central defense, and they’ll be tested by the Croats in the next round.
Midfielders – Sionko and Placil played well until they were both taken off. Their counterparts, Altintop and Turan started slowly but picked it up for the big finish. I can see why Altintop can play with the best of them at Bayern – he’s a good player. In the middle, Tungay had success running the midfield, and you could see the Czechs really missed Rosicky to make that final pass. Both midfields played well in retrospect, but in terms of the overall match, the credit goes to the Turks.
Attackers – Nihat was so desperate to open his account at Euro 2008 and he did so in fine fashion. Koller put his poor matches behind him with a nicely headed goal, but in retrospect, could’ve had more if he had played a little better and had gotten better service in the box. Milan Baros got the best (WTF) moment of the match with a yellow card from the bench. Nihat was simply awesome and outplayed his counterpart in the match itself, however.
Man of the Match – Nihat. Excellent leadership as the captain, and two deft goals, one on a ball he could’ve given up early on, and another on a ridiculous bending right footed shot into the top corner for the go-ahead goal. A solid performance by a solid player.
Dud of the Match - Tomas Ujfalusi and David Rozehnal. The Czech defense peaked a bit too early in the tournament, and the last visions of them were trying to draw an offsides call when Ujfalusi was playing Nihat on. Of course, they weren’t aided by Cech’s missed attempt at snaring a cross, but still – they’re experienced, and they should’ve never let the Turks back into the match.
Portugal vs. Switzerland (0-2, Hakan Yakin, 71′, 83′ (P))
I didn’t watch it, so I’ll leave it to ESPN to discuss the match….
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=232273&league=UEFA.EURO&cc=5901
Group A final table -
1. Portugal (Advances as the winner of Group A)
2. Turkey (Advances as the runners-up in Group A)
3. Czech Republic (Eliminated)
4. Switzerland (Eliminated)
