Fixture: Czech Republic v Turkey

Date: 21 June 2016

Time: 8pm

Stadium: Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens

With Group D so open, there’s a significant chance we could see three qualify from this group, meaning victory in this is absolutely vital. Both teams are pretty much neck and neck with the bookmakers to finish last in the group, and with them having already met in qualifying it’ll be a really interesting match-up.

It was a win and a loss for both sides in qualifying with the Turkish most recently coming out on top, and their form in recent months would place them as slight favourites. They’ve conceded only three goals in seven games compared to the 10 of the Czechs, and in that time have stunned the Netherlands 3-0 and most recently beaten Austria and Sweden.

One of these sides will likely be exiting the tournament following this, so we can expect last ditch defending, speculative efforts, and likely a few nerves, and you never know, the potential for a real classic.

Key men

In their last meeting it was Turkey’s German-born contingent which saw them over the line. Çalhanoğlu got on the scoresheet, while Sahin also made a real difference. Vrba will demand his men keep them quiet, but it’ll be a tough ask, particularly with the former who has been in terrific form for Bayer Leverkusen and could well be one of the players who makes a real name for himself this summer.

The Czechs don’t really have anyone like that, who could provide a real spark. Instead they’ll rely on the experience of Sivok and Kadlec to organise them, provide a sturdy base, and see them over the line. They’ve lacked that in recent months, but with it probably being the pair’s last tournament, they’ll want to end on a high.

How will it go?

With both games going on at exactly the same time, it could be a really exciting end to Group D. These two will likely be playing for a third place finish and with neither team particularly solid at the back it could be a real end-to-end goal fest.

There have been goals in their last two fixtures, when less was riding on it, so we can certainly expect them. Which way the tie will go however, it’s looking at the moment like Turkey. The Czech Republic’s form is truly horrendous, and with a number of Fatih Terim’s side destined to make a name for themselves this summer, now will certainly be the time to do it.

Czech Republic Odds and Predictions

Czech Republic 6/4

Draw 21/10

Turkey 9/5

Can anyone see Turkey getting anything from Euro 2016? Perhaps they can pick up some local cheese and wine but that’ll be about it. The Czech Republic will need to capitalise on the group’s whipping boys so be ambitious: Czech Republic to win 4-0 offered at 80/1.

[flytonic-button text=’CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO LADBROKES AND CLAIM YOUR £50 FREE BET ‘ linkurl=’https://www.accumulatortips.org.uk/visit/ladbrokes/’ size=’small’ icon=’none’ bg_color=’green’ border_color=’normal’ text_color=’lgt’ ]