Tosun’s Thrilling Late Goal Clinches Turkiye’s Advance to the Last-16 in a 2-1 Victory Over Czechia
For the first time since 2008, Turkiye punched their ticket to the Euro 2024 last 16 by besting Czechia in Hamburg.
Cenk Tosun’s decisive goal in the dying moments sealed the deal, ensuring a showdown with Austria in the knockout phase. His late heroics followed a clash where 10-man Czechia fought valiantly but fell short.
Earlier, Hakan Calhanoglu had netted his inaugural major tournament goal, putting Turkiye ahead. This occurred after Antonin Barak’s ejection for a rash foul, a setback for Czechia who were desperate for victory. Tomas Soucek did manage an equalizer, keeping hopes alive momentarily.
The match’s tension peaked with Tosun’s strike in the 94th minute, catalyzing a fracas at the final whistle that saw Tomas Chory receive a red card.
Czechia’s defeat cemented their last place in Group F, while Georgia progressed following their surprising triumph over Portugal in Gelsenkirchen.
The contest began with both squads appearing tentative. A significant turn of events unfolded in the 19th minute with Barak’s dismissal, marking the quickest sending-off in the tournament’s annals.
Despite having an extra player, Turkiye struggled to capitalize in the first half, which saw more cautions issued than shots on target.
Post-intermission, Montella’s squad intensified their efforts. Calhanoglu’s blast early in the second half broke the deadlock, though the celebration was short as Soucek leveled the score for Czechia. Appeals for a foul in the buildup were dismissed after video review.
Even a draw was enough for Turkiye to advance, but Tosun, substituting in, clinched the win by firing home just before the final whistle.
Data Debrief: Tosun Ignites Turkish Triumph in Hamburg
Introduced fifteen minutes from time, Tosun touched the ball merely four times, yet his last touch ensured Turkiye’s progression beyond the group stages, a feat unachieved since their 2008 campaign.
