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.
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