Euro 2024: Türkiye Dominates Czech Republic, Georgia Upsets Portugal in Group F Thrillers
Türkiye clinched a top 16 spot as Group F’s runner-up, with goals from Hakan Calhanoglu and Cenk Tosun ejecting a tenacious Czech Republic 2-1. Meanwhile, third-placed Georgia advanced by toppling leader Portugal 2-0 in the last group matches on Wednesday.
The Czechs needed a win to move forward, but Antonin Barak’s repeated fouls saw him sent off just 20 minutes into the game, giving Türkiye a one-player advantage.
Taking control, Türkiye almost seized an opportunity in the 27th minute, but Arda Guler’s acrobatic attempt met Ladislav Krejci’s timely block.
The Czechs nearly rumbled Türkiye before halftime. However, with only Mert Gunok to beat, David Jurasek fumbled the chance.
Upon returning from the break, Türkiye ramped up their offensive and almost netted a goal early in the second half, with Baris Yilmaz’s header prompting a save from Jindrich Stanek.
Stanek, however, couldn’t fend off Calhanoglu’s strike minutes later, as he capitalized on a rebound to nestle the ball into the far post’s corner with finesse.
The lead was short-lived as the undermanned Czech side struck back, converting a clear chance after a scramble in the box from a throw-in. Tomas Soucek slotted home, drawing level at the 66-minute mark.
Vincenzo Montella’s squad sealed their progression in added time when substitute Cenk Tosun completed an impressive solo run to secure a 2-1 win.
In the other Group F clash, first-time contender Georgia earned their last 16 berth by defeating a lackluster Portugal 2-0, courtesy of strikes from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze.
“It’s a loss. We started off slow, conceded early—exactly what Georgia wanted. Our final passes and finishing were lackluster, and their keeper was phenomenal. We couldn’t score and that boosted Georgia’s confidence. They rightfully won,” lamented Portugal coach Roberto Martinez.
Following these outcomes, Portugal topped the group standings, followed closely by Türkiye (both on six points), Georgia (four points), and the Czech Republic (one point).
