It’s third vs fourth in Group D, as both teams head into this clash knowing a win could possibly take them through to the next round.
There could be a spot in the knockout stage on the line
By now, we have all come to the conclusion the new third place qualification rule is slightly confusing, but it does make for a tense last round. Whereas in previous tournaments, only the Czech Republic would have an outside chance of making it to the knockout stages, the new format means Turkey can still potentially qualify.
Of course, to do so, they will need to knock off a Czech side riding high after a miraculous come from behind point against a strong Croatian outfit. And they wouldd need to do it by scoring a few goals as well. Of course, even then a win may not be enough if results in the other groups do not go the way they planned.
Meanwhile, for the Czech Republic, after their aforementioned point against Croatia, another draw may end up being enough to take them through to the knockout stages. However, they will not want to bank on it because there is a good chance it will not be enough, so they will also be going all out to take three points.
Can the Czech Republic deal without Tomas Rosicky?
‘The Little Mozart’ has been in fine form for the Czechs this tournament, despite his 35 years of age. The captain showed tremendous fighting spirit against Spain and Croatia and pushed himself to the limit in an effort to keep his country’s dreams alive. And while they came back from the dead to rescue a vital point against the latter, it turned out Rosicky surpassed his limit.
After the match, it was revealed the maestro had torn his thigh muscle. Team doctors confirmed the early fears and ruled him out of not just the next game, but also the rest of the tournament. It is a bitter blow to the Czechs’ chances of progressing to the next stage, as only a victory guarantees them a spot in the knockout rounds. Josef Sural has came on as a substitute in both games so far; it may be him they turn to to replace their skipper.
Time to shine for Turkey’s attackers
Turkish captain Arda Turan was booed off the pitch following his country’s meek 3-0 loss to Spain. The Barcelona talisman has been almost anonymous so far this tournament, but he is not alone. The likes of Hakan Calhanoglu and Oguzhan Ozyakup, two of the country’s other talented attackers, have likewise failed to make their mark so far, while Burak Yilmaz has been kept quiet up front.
Having failed to score in their opening two losses, the pressure is on them to deliver in front of goal, or risk leaving France having failed to find the net. And with the outside chance of a place in the next round still up for grabs, they need as big a win as possible if they are to be any chance of stealing a place in the next round.
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