Czech Republic - Turkey predictions and free betting tips [26/06/2024]

Today a crucial match of the 3rd round in Group F of the Euro will take place at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg between Czech Republic and Turkey.

Probable line-ups

Czech Republic: Jindrich Stanek, Tomas Holes, Robin Granach, Ladislav Krejci, Vladimir Coufal, Lukas Provod, Tomas Soucek, David Jurasek, Vaclav Cerny, Patrik Schick, Adam Hlozek.

Turkey: Altay Bayindir, Zeki Celik, Merih Demiral, Mert Muldur, Ferdi Kadioglu, Hakan Calhanoglu, Kaan Ayhan, Yunus Akgun, Orkun Kokcu, Muhammed Akturkoglu, Baris Alper Yilmaz. In the Czech squad, Patrik Schick's participation is in doubt due to an injury sustained in the second match, leaving him visibly upset on the bench. For Turkey, centre-back Samet Akaydin will likely be left out after a poor performance in the last match. Another central defender, Abdülkerim Bardakci, will definitely miss the game due to accumulated yellow cards. Ahmetcan Kaplan or Mert Muldur may take his place.

Group F Situations for Turkey and Czech Republic

In Group F, the situation is highly tense ahead of the final round. Portugal has already secured advancement with maximum points. Meanwhile, Turkey has 3 points, and the Czech Republic only has 1 point. Their matchup will determine who continues to the playoffs.  For Czech Republic, who have displayed inconsistent play in previous matches, a draw will not be sufficient for advancing, considering their current goal difference and points. Turkey, on the other hand, can move to the playoffs with a draw, securing second place regardless of other match outcomes. A loss might leave Turkey out of the playoffs, especially if Georgia performs well and defeats the favourite.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic enters the final group stage match of Euro 2024 with just one point, needing a victory over Turkey to maintain playoff hopes. The match against Portugal was tough, with the Czechs conceding in the dying moments to lose 2-1, while their encounter with Georgia ended 1-1 despite dominating the attack and setting a tournament record with 26 shots. Georgian goalkeeper Mamardashvili was outstanding, but the Czechs also needed better finishing. The Czechs play modern football with high pressing and active wing play, though defensive issues have cost them results in both matches.

The team looks cohesive on the field, with many tactical decisions by Ivan Hasek focusing on strengthening the attack, evident in the high activity of wing-backs and frequent set-piece utilisation.  In the forthcoming game against Turkey, Hasek’s team faces an opponent also in need of a win, making this decisive for both sides. The Czechs especially rely on key midfielders, particularly Tomas Soucek of West Ham, whose game in midfield could significantly influence the match's outcome. If Schick is unavailable to play, it would be a huge blow for the Czechs.

Turkey

Under Vincenzo Montella, Turkey shows dynamic and attacking football at Euro 2024. They secured an emphatic 3-1 win against Georgia in the opening group stage match, thanks to stellar goals from youngster Arda Guler and defender Mert Muldur. However, the subsequent fixture against Portugal saw them suffer a 0-3 defeat, highlighting Turkey’s defensive frailties, as Georgia could have scored at least 2-3 goals.

Turkey's youthful squad and attacking style make them a vibrant team at the Euro, but consistency and minimising defensive errors remain critical for their success. Montella's system focused on counter-attacks and pressing has proven effective but also vulnerable against top-class opponents, as demonstrated in the Portugal match. Ahead of the decisive group match with the Czech Republic, Turkey only needs a draw to secure a playoff spot. However, the coach will likely aim for a win, as Turkey is not adept at defensive play and playing for a draw is very risky.

Head-to-Head

Since 2008, Turkey and Czech Republic have faced each other 7 times, with Turkey winning 6 matches and the Czechs winning just once. The most memorable encounter was during the group stage of Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland, where Turkey triumphed 3-2. In Euro 2016 in France, Turkey again emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic. The teams also met in Euro qualifiers. In 2015, Turkey won 2-0, while the previous year, the Czechs secured their only win with a 2-1 scoreline. Their latest meeting was a friendly match on 19 November 2022, where Turkey won 2-1, with goals from Enes Unal and Hakan Calhanoglu countering Cerny's opener.

Match Prediction: Czech Republic vs Turkey

The Czechs are a much more organised defensive side, capable of 'parking the bus' as they did against Portugal. Turkey plays more with their hearts, and I favour the Czech Republic to draw or win this match.

Prediction for Total

Turkey is an extremely dynamic team, and the Czechs showed in the last round that they can attack effectively if not sitting back. I expect at least 3 goals in the match, and a bet on total over 25.5 shots on goal looks promising, considering neither side excels in accuracy in this tournament.