Cenk Tosun fired a stoppage-time winner as Turkey reached Euro 2024’s last 16 after a hard-fought 2-1 victory against 10-man Czech Republic.
The Czechs had midfielder Antonin Barak controversially sent off midway through the first half in Hamburg, but fought back through Tomas Soucek’s equaliser after Hakan Calhanoglu had given Turkey the lead.
But former Everton striker Tosun, a second-half substitute, eased Turkish nerves with the winner in added time to secure second place and a meeting with Austria in the first knockout stage.
It was cruel on the Czechs, who pushed Turkey all the way in a gripping encounter despite Barak’s harsh dismissal.
The Fiorentina midfielder was sent off for his second yellow card in nine minutes after being deemed to have made an over-the-top tackle by Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs.
Barak’s dismissal was a huge blow, but although Turkey went on to dominate first-half possession they failed to have a shot on target before the break.
The disciplined Czechs defended resolutely and carved out the best chance on the break when flying wing-back David Jurasek’s angled effort was brilliantly saved by Turkey goalkeeper Mert Gunok.
But Turkey struck six minutes after the restart. Czech goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek saved brilliantly to deny Kenan Yildiz, but moments later Calhanoglu fired home from inside the area.
The 10 men hit back in the 66th minute through skipper Soucek, who turned the ball home from close range after Samet Akaydin had blocked Tomas Chory’s effort on the goal-line.
VAR made a lengthy check as Chory appeared to impede Gunok, but the goal stood and the rejuvenated Czechs went in hunt of a second goal which would have taken them through, only to be undone by Tosun in the fourth minute of added time.
Chory was sent off after the final whistle as players from both sides clashed.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal fans are waiting for the striker Don't give up. Bro Bryan Mbeumo wants to join Man United Crazy idea Some nights you just never forget Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: BleacherReportFootball, Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball)...
Sancho confirms Chelsea exitJadon Sancho has opened up after Chelsea refused to make his loan deal a permanent transfer and sent him back to Manchester United.Taking to Instagram, Sancho wrote: "Grateful for the experience. Big love to everyone at Chelsea who made me feel at home - teammates, staff and the fans. Wishing the club all the best moving forward. Truly grateful, thank you, Blues."Modric...
WHAT HAPPENED?Real Madrid's pursuit of Carreras has hit a significant obstacle, with negotiations between Los Blancos and Benfica stalling over the defender's release clause, according to Marca (h/t Mundo Deportivo). While the Spanish giants have already reached a five-year agreement with the 22-year-old Galician full-back, the transfer remains on hold due to Benfica's firm stance.THE BIGGER PICTU...
WHAT HAPPENED?AC Milan are confident of signing Ballon d'Or winner Modric after the two parties came to a verbal agreement over the transfer, according to Gianluca Di Marzio. The 39-year-old has left Real Madrid as a free agent after a legendary stint at the club came to an end but now looks set to extend his career with another season in the professional game, this time at San Siro.THE BIGGER PIC...
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has reportedly rejected a move to the Saudi Pro League.The 30-year-old had been offered an eye-watering £800,000-per-week contract by Al Hilal as they looked to land a marquee signing before the Club World Cup.Fernandes was mulling over accepting the lucrative offer and moving to the Middle East during United's post-season tour of Asia last week. H...
Tottenham announce five senior departuresTottenham have announced the departures of five senior players.Reserve goalkeepers Fraser Forster and Alfie Whiteman have left, along with left-back Sergio Reguilon and loanee forward Timo Werner.Spurs have also announced that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s loan move with Olympique Marseille has been made permanent. The Dane joins OM for €20m.Werner, m...
Sangare to leave PSG and join Man City for free as he prepares to undergo medicalParis Saint-Germain forward Mahamadou Sangare is to undergo a medical with Manchester City this week ahead of his summer move to the club.One of PSG's brightest young talents is about to slip through their net as Sangare prepares to make the switch from Paris to Manchester in the coming weeks. This is reported by jour...
Jordan Ayew spoke to Flashscore about his Leicester City futureGhana captain Jordan Ayew remains undecided on his future at King Power Stadium following Leicester City’s relegation to the English Championship. After six seasons at Crystal Palace, the African star joined the Foxes in August 2024 on a two-year contract worth around 35 million.However, in his first season with the former Premie...
Liverpool player Luis Diaz celebrates with the Premier League trophy after the match between Liverpool and Crystal PalaceManchester United forward Marcus Rashford is currently looking at an uncertain future in the game after Aston Villa's failure to qualify for the Champions League, ironically, due to an unexpected defeat at Old Trafford.Rashford was loaned out to the Villans, of course, after bec...
Sancho "in list of players available for sale" for Man Utd as the club raises fundsManchester United winger Jadon Sancho is due to be sold by the club after a mixed loan spell at Chelsea.The Blues chose to loan Sancho from the Red Devils last summer after he severed his relationship with the club and former manager Erik ten Hag. Sancho showed moments of brilliance for manager Enzo Maresca’s ...
- 1 Albanian Laura Woods wows fans in Champions League final outfit
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 4 Maya Jama and Ruben Dias share loved-up selfie
- 5 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 6 Liverpool's dream transfer window with six signings including £100m striker
- 7 AC Milan put eye-watering price-tag on Leao
- 8 'No agreement' between Chelsea and Sancho
- 9 Amad hopes Garnacho will stay at Man United
- 10 England star Morgan Gibbs-White’s girlfriend puts on busty display