Turkey 3, Czech Republic 2
Switzerland 2, Portugal 0
In a tournament that is quickly becoming a classic, it will be tough to top Turkey-Czech Republic for the best match at Euro 2008. Trailing 2-0 with 15 minutes to play, the Turks seized second place in Group A with three goals in the final quarter hour. The Czechs had built a comfortable lead on goals by Jan Koller in the 32nd minute and Jaroslav Plasil in the 62nd. Arda Turan's 75th minute tally cut the lead in half to set up the frenzied finish.
More stunning than Turkey drawing level was the manner in which they got the goal. Usually reliable goalie Petr Cech dropped Hamit Altintop's 87th minute cross and Nihat Kahveci was there to tap home the stunning equalizer. Just as the crowd was preparing for a historic shootout, Nihat finished up a well-timed run to blast home the 89th minute winner.
There was one final bit of mayhem, one that will hamper Turkey in Friday's quarterfinal. Volkan Demirel earned a stoppage time red card for shoving K oller. Having used up their three subs, Turkey were forced to finish up with a defender in net, comically wearing Volkan's jersey inside-out. Although the Czechs didn't threaten after that, Turkey lose their starting goalkeeper for their next match against Croatia. For the Czechs, it marks the second-straight major tournament where they opened with a win, and then bowed out with two straight losses.
At the same time, Switzerland capped a frustrating nine days on a positive note with a 2-0 win over Portugal. A pair of second half goals by Hakan Yakin led the co-hosts to victory over a Portuguese side resting several top players. With Cristiano Ronaldo, Nuno Gomes, Deco and Ricardo Carvalho all taking the evening off, Portugal will have an advantage for Thursday's quarterfinal, likely against Germany.
Showing posts with label Czech Republic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Czech Republic. Show all posts
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008: Day 9 Previews
We move to the chaos of simultaneous kickoffs for the last round of group stage matches. But in Group A, the focus will be solely on the match in Geneva, where the Czech Republic and Turkey meet for second place and a quarterfinal match against Croatia. Having already locked up the group, Portugal will face a Swiss team playing for pride.
Czech Republic vs. Turkey
The venue: Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN2, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Turkey's last-gasp winner against Switzerland set them up to face the Czechs for a quarterfinal berth. Thanks to a new rule, if this game ends in a draw, the teams will immediately head to a shootout. Otherwise it's winner-take-all.
The prediction: The advantage of experience comes into play in high-pressure matches, and that advantage goes to the Czechs. Petr Cech keeps the Turks off the board and sends his side through with a 1-0 win.
Portugal vs. Switzerland
The venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN Classic, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Portugal are fortunate to have already wrapped up the group, since all the talk around the camp this week has been about Coach Scolari's move to Chelsea. The Portuguese have gone into full lockdown mode at their team headquarters. A heartbreaking stoppage time goal against Turkey ended Switzerland's hopes of advancing to the quarters.
The prediction: Portugal have nothing to play for, but the Swiss would love to give the home fans a thrill before leaving the tournament. The more-motivated co-hosts earn a 2-1 win.
Czech Republic vs. Turkey
The venue: Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN2, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Turkey's last-gasp winner against Switzerland set them up to face the Czechs for a quarterfinal berth. Thanks to a new rule, if this game ends in a draw, the teams will immediately head to a shootout. Otherwise it's winner-take-all.
The prediction: The advantage of experience comes into play in high-pressure matches, and that advantage goes to the Czechs. Petr Cech keeps the Turks off the board and sends his side through with a 1-0 win.
Portugal vs. Switzerland
The venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN Classic, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Portugal are fortunate to have already wrapped up the group, since all the talk around the camp this week has been about Coach Scolari's move to Chelsea. The Portuguese have gone into full lockdown mode at their team headquarters. A heartbreaking stoppage time goal against Turkey ended Switzerland's hopes of advancing to the quarters.
The prediction: Portugal have nothing to play for, but the Swiss would love to give the home fans a thrill before leaving the tournament. The more-motivated co-hosts earn a 2-1 win.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008: Day 5 Recap
Portugal 3, Czech Republic 1
Turkey 2, Switzerland 1
Group A cleared up nicely today with Portugal clinching the top spot while Turkey set up a winner-take-all game against the Czech Republic for second place. Meanwhile co-hosts Switzerland became the first squad eliminated from the tournament.
A lively game in Geneva saw Portugal take a 3-1 result against the Czechs. Deco opened the scoring in the eighth minute, finishing up a broken play for the early lead. Nine minutes later, Libor Sionko brought the Czechs level on a well-timed header off a corner kick. In the second half, Cristiano Ronaldo took over, putting his side ahead in the 63rd minute and then setting up Ricardo Quaresma in extra time for the put-away goal. The result gives the Portugese six points atop the group. Based on the result the day's second game, they are assured of the top spot and will player the Group B runner-up in next Thursday's quarterfinal.
In the second game Turkey became the first team in the tournament to earn a come-from-behind victory as they rallied from a 1-0 halftime deficit to post a 2-1 win. Hakan Yakin put Switzerland ahead 32 minutes in on a comical play in which the ball came to a complete stop on the rain-soaked turf just in front of the net. But Kobi Kuhn's men could not hold the lead. Semih Senturk evened the match in the 57th minute and Arda Turan finished a counter-attack in extra time to give his side a vital three points.
With Portugal safely through, their game Sunday against Switzerland is meaningless, other than providing the Swiss one last chance to delight the home crowds. With Turkey and the Czechs level on points and goal differential, the winner of their match will take second, with a shootout to decide matters if the game ends in a draw.
Turkey 2, Switzerland 1
Group A cleared up nicely today with Portugal clinching the top spot while Turkey set up a winner-take-all game against the Czech Republic for second place. Meanwhile co-hosts Switzerland became the first squad eliminated from the tournament.
A lively game in Geneva saw Portugal take a 3-1 result against the Czechs. Deco opened the scoring in the eighth minute, finishing up a broken play for the early lead. Nine minutes later, Libor Sionko brought the Czechs level on a well-timed header off a corner kick. In the second half, Cristiano Ronaldo took over, putting his side ahead in the 63rd minute and then setting up Ricardo Quaresma in extra time for the put-away goal. The result gives the Portugese six points atop the group. Based on the result the day's second game, they are assured of the top spot and will player the Group B runner-up in next Thursday's quarterfinal.
In the second game Turkey became the first team in the tournament to earn a come-from-behind victory as they rallied from a 1-0 halftime deficit to post a 2-1 win. Hakan Yakin put Switzerland ahead 32 minutes in on a comical play in which the ball came to a complete stop on the rain-soaked turf just in front of the net. But Kobi Kuhn's men could not hold the lead. Semih Senturk evened the match in the 57th minute and Arda Turan finished a counter-attack in extra time to give his side a vital three points.
With Portugal safely through, their game Sunday against Switzerland is meaningless, other than providing the Swiss one last chance to delight the home crowds. With Turkey and the Czechs level on points and goal differential, the winner of their match will take second, with a shootout to decide matters if the game ends in a draw.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008: Day 5 Previews
We move to the second round of group play games. Group A's two opening day winners, the Czech Republic and Portugal, meet in the early game, while the two losers, Switzerland and Turkey, will look to avoid elimination in the nightcap.
Czech Republic vs. Portugal
The venue: Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN2, 12:00 pm ET
The storyline: Both teams enter the game 1-0-0, but the Portuguese look far more likely to win Group A following a solid 2-0 win over Turkey. Czech goalie Petr Cech knows Cristiano Ronaldo quite well from their Premier League clashes and he'll need every bit of that knowledge to keep his side on level terms.
The prediction: The Czechs were fortunate take all three points from their opener. They won't be as fortunate this time as Portugal wins 2-1.
Switzerland vs. Turkey
The venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN2, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: There's some recent ugly history between these two sides. In November 2005, the Swiss defeated Turkey in a two-legged playoff for a 2006 World Cup berth, setting off scenes of mayhem in Istanbul on and off the pitch. Both sides have downplayed the impact the incident will have on Wednesday's game.
The prediction: The Swiss were the more attractive of these two sides in their openers, but the loss of Alexander Frei significantly hampers their offensive abilities. But with the backing of the home crowd, they should have enough to eke out a 1-0 win.
Czech Republic vs. Portugal
The venue: Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN2, 12:00 pm ET
The storyline: Both teams enter the game 1-0-0, but the Portuguese look far more likely to win Group A following a solid 2-0 win over Turkey. Czech goalie Petr Cech knows Cristiano Ronaldo quite well from their Premier League clashes and he'll need every bit of that knowledge to keep his side on level terms.
The prediction: The Czechs were fortunate take all three points from their opener. They won't be as fortunate this time as Portugal wins 2-1.
Switzerland vs. Turkey
The venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN2, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: There's some recent ugly history between these two sides. In November 2005, the Swiss defeated Turkey in a two-legged playoff for a 2006 World Cup berth, setting off scenes of mayhem in Istanbul on and off the pitch. Both sides have downplayed the impact the incident will have on Wednesday's game.
The prediction: The Swiss were the more attractive of these two sides in their openers, but the loss of Alexander Frei significantly hampers their offensive abilities. But with the backing of the home crowd, they should have enough to eke out a 1-0 win.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008: Day 1 Recap
Czech Republic 1, Switzerland 0
Portugal 2, Turkey 0
Euro 2008 got underway and the start couldn't have gone much worse for the co-hosts Switzerland. The Swiss fell 1-0 to the Czech Republic in a game dominated by the home side. Despite outshooting their opponents 11-2, Switzerland got burned in the 70th minute when Vaclav Sverkos beat an offside trap to slot home the only goal of the game. More devastating than the defeat was the loss of team captain and leading scorer Alexander Frei, who was taken off with an injury late in the first half. After tearing a knee ligament, Frei's tournament is finished.
In the second game, Portugal flashed style and skill in a convincing 2-0 win over Turkey. The Portuguese could have easily put the game away in the first half; they had one goal disallowed on a close but correct offsides call and Cristiano Ronaldo was denied by a fingertip save by Turkish goalkeeper Volkan Demirel. In the second half, a sharp give and go sprung Pepe loose for the first goal in the 61st minute and substitute Raul Meireles clinched the win in the 90th minute.
Portugal will face the Czechs Wednesday with the winner seizing control of Group A. Switzerland's game against Turkey becomes an elimination game, with the loser effectively out of the tournament.
Portugal 2, Turkey 0
Euro 2008 got underway and the start couldn't have gone much worse for the co-hosts Switzerland. The Swiss fell 1-0 to the Czech Republic in a game dominated by the home side. Despite outshooting their opponents 11-2, Switzerland got burned in the 70th minute when Vaclav Sverkos beat an offside trap to slot home the only goal of the game. More devastating than the defeat was the loss of team captain and leading scorer Alexander Frei, who was taken off with an injury late in the first half. After tearing a knee ligament, Frei's tournament is finished.
In the second game, Portugal flashed style and skill in a convincing 2-0 win over Turkey. The Portuguese could have easily put the game away in the first half; they had one goal disallowed on a close but correct offsides call and Cristiano Ronaldo was denied by a fingertip save by Turkish goalkeeper Volkan Demirel. In the second half, a sharp give and go sprung Pepe loose for the first goal in the 61st minute and substitute Raul Meireles clinched the win in the 90th minute.
Portugal will face the Czechs Wednesday with the winner seizing control of Group A. Switzerland's game against Turkey becomes an elimination game, with the loser effectively out of the tournament.
Friday, June 6, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008: Day 1 Previews
Euro 2008 kicks off tomorrow with a pair of games from Group A. It's Switzerland versus the Czech Republic in the tournament opener and Portugal-Turkey in Game Two.
Czech Republic vs. Switzerland
The venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN Classic, 12:00 pm ET
The storyline: Czech experience versus Swiss youth. With these two sides expected to battle for second behind Portugal, a good start to the tournament is crucial.
The prediction: The home crowd inspires the Swiss, but the Czechs force a 1-1 draw.
Portugal vs. Turkey
The venue: Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN Classic, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Is Cristiano Ronaldo ready to put his stamp on this tournament and continue a magical year? Or will the constant swirl of Real Madrid rumors be the distraction that gives Turkey an opening for an upset.
The prediction: Portugal are one of the few teams coming into this tournament without injury concerns. They get off to a good start with a 2-0 win.
Czech Republic vs. Switzerland
The venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN Classic, 12:00 pm ET
The storyline: Czech experience versus Swiss youth. With these two sides expected to battle for second behind Portugal, a good start to the tournament is crucial.
The prediction: The home crowd inspires the Swiss, but the Czechs force a 1-1 draw.
Portugal vs. Turkey
The venue: Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN Classic, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Is Cristiano Ronaldo ready to put his stamp on this tournament and continue a magical year? Or will the constant swirl of Real Madrid rumors be the distraction that gives Turkey an opening for an upset.
The prediction: Portugal are one of the few teams coming into this tournament without injury concerns. They get off to a good start with a 2-0 win.
Monday, May 26, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008: Czech Republic Team Preview
With less than two weeks to go until Euro 2008, it's time to take a look at the 16 competing nations. We begin in Group A, which features the Czech Republic, Portugal, Switzerland and Turkey.
The squad: The Czechs topped Germany in qualifying Group D, posting a 3-0 win in Munich to secure their berth. At the 2006 World Cup, the Czechs failed to advance from the group stages, losing their final two matches. They have made the semifinals at two of the last three Euros, falling to Greece in extra time in the 2004 semis.
The players: The loss of Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky to injury is a major blow to the Czech's hopes. Without their captain, the squad will be more reliant on striker Jan Koller, their all-time leading scorer. The Czechs could use a return to form from striker Milan Barros, whose best days on the international stage came at Euro 2004. Chelsea goaltender Petr Cech anchors the defense.
The schedule: vs. Switzerland (6/7); vs. Portugal (6/11); vs. Turkey (6/15)
The prediction: The Czechs edge out Switzerland for second place in Group A before falling to Germany in the quarterfinals.
The squad: The Czechs topped Germany in qualifying Group D, posting a 3-0 win in Munich to secure their berth. At the 2006 World Cup, the Czechs failed to advance from the group stages, losing their final two matches. They have made the semifinals at two of the last three Euros, falling to Greece in extra time in the 2004 semis.
The players: The loss of Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky to injury is a major blow to the Czech's hopes. Without their captain, the squad will be more reliant on striker Jan Koller, their all-time leading scorer. The Czechs could use a return to form from striker Milan Barros, whose best days on the international stage came at Euro 2004. Chelsea goaltender Petr Cech anchors the defense.
The schedule: vs. Switzerland (6/7); vs. Portugal (6/11); vs. Turkey (6/15)
The prediction: The Czechs edge out Switzerland for second place in Group A before falling to Germany in the quarterfinals.
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