Czech Republic vs Turkey: EURO 2016 Group D Preview & Prediction

Czech Republic must defeat Turkey in their final EURO 2016 Group D match in Lens and hope that leaders Spain beat second-placed Croatia if they are to qualify automatically for the last-16.

However a victory inside the Stade Felix Bollaert-Delelis; regardless of the reigning European champions’ result, could be enough as four points in the group stages could see them advance as one of the best third-placed nations.

Both sides have endured miserable starts to the tournament; with Turkey losing both of their opening fixtures to Spain (3-0) and Croatia (1-0), meanwhile the Czechs were fended off by the Spaniards 1-0 in the dying embers of the match, although they completed a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to steal a share of the spoils against the Blazers (2-2) last Friday.

But despite suffering back-to-back losses; Turkey still have a slim chance of advancing to the knockout stages due to the new 24-team tournament ruling – with four third-placed teams joining the top two of each group in the last-16.

The two countries know each other fairly well having both come through the same qualifying group for EURO 2016 – where the Czech Republic topped Group A after winning seven of their ten fixtures, meanwhile Turkey finished third – although they automatically qualified for the finals after being ranked as the best third-placed outfit.

Pavel Vrba’s Czechs won 2-1 in Istanbul back in October 2014, before Fatih Terim’s Turkey also saw out an impressive away victory following their 2-0 feat in Prague last October.

Should he play; goalkeeper Petr Cech will equal the Czech record for most games at major tournaments (17) – which is currently held by former winger Karel Poborsky.

Plus, only Denmark legend Peter Schmeichel has conceded more goals (20) than Cech (19) in EURO history.

Czech Republic skipper Rosicky has been ruled out of the remainder of EURO 2016 with a thigh injury – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Team News:

A thigh injury to captain Tomas Rosicky means the Czech Republic will be without their captain for the remainder of the tournament – although the former Arsenal midfielder will stay in France to support his teammates.

On the other hand; manager Vrba has a fully-fit squad ahead of Tuesday night’s must-win encounter in Lens.

But he’ll be wary that defenders David Limbersky and Tomas Sivok are just one yellow card away from a suspension.

Meanwhile; opposing boss Terim is likely to make changes to the starting XI that were easily beaten 3-0 by Spain last Friday.

Ex-Liverpool midfielder Nuri Sahin could be recalled, whilst teenage forward Emre Mor could make his first start.

FIFA World Ranking: Czech Republic – 30th; Turkey – 18th
Best European Championship Finish: Czech Republic – Runners-Up (1996); Turkey – Semi-Finals (2008)
Previous Meeting: Czech Republic 0-2 Turkey (October 10, 2015 – EURO 2016 qualifying)
Form: Czech Republic – DWWLLD; Turkey – WLWWLL
Key Men: Czech Republic – Tomas Necid; Turkey – Hakan Calhanoglu
Shoot Says: Czech Republic 1-0 Turkey