Turkey beats Czech Republic to confirm Northern Ireland's place in the last sixteen

Turkey kept their hopes alive after gaining a 2-0 win over Czech Republic. A result which confirms Northern Ireland's place in the next phase of the competition.

Czech Republic players look dejected at the end of their UEFA EURO 2016 Group D match against Turkey
Czech Republic players look dejected at the end of their UEFA EURO 2016 Group D match against Turkey

After suffering a heavy defeat against Spain, Turkey managed to impose themselves immediately and went ahead after just 10 minutes. Emre rushed down the right-hand side and cut inside before firing a cross to the front post. Yilmaz was there to turn a super finish past Cech into the corner of the net.

Czech Republic replied on the 18th minute after a  corner was swung into the penalty area and Sivok jumped above everyone to bullet a superb header at goal, but unfortunately for him, it crashed off the outside of the post.

Turkey went close again after 28 minutes as they moved forward in a sweeping counter-attack led by Mor. Possession eventually came to Sen, but even though his subsequent strike was hit with menace, it was fairly easy for the Cech to make a comfortable block.

The first chance of the second half was created by Turkey on the 62nd minute. Inan stood over a corner-kick deep down the right wing and stepped up to swing a dangerous cross deep to the back post. Balta managed to get above his marker and got a header at goal, but the attempt lacked any kind of conviction and looped into the air, making it easy for Cech to claim.

Turkey managed to double the score on the 65th minute as Inan clipped a cross to the back post and Yilmaz made his presence felt, with possession eventually falling to Tufan. The Fenerbache player kept calm and finished high into the top corner.

The Turkish had another good chance on the 75th minute when Arda Turan climbed high to reach a lofted cross. However, his header went high.

The Czech responded through Darida, who had showed glimpse of inspiration for this poor Czech Republic side. The Hertha player drove forward through the middle and eventually pulled the trigger with a driving strike aimed towards the left corner. The Turkey goalkeeper made easy work of it and palmed the danger away to the right.

This result means that Northern Ireland will face either France or Wales in the last sixteen, while Turkey waits for the outcome of tomorrow’s matches.

Czech Republic starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Cech; Kaderabek, Hubnik, Sivok, Pudil; Pavelka, Plasil; Dockal, Darida, Krejci; Necid.

Turkey starting line-up (4-3-3): Babacan; Koybasi, Topal, Balta, Gonul; Inan, Sen, Tufan; Turan, Mor, Yilmaz.

Yellow cards

Koybasi (Turkey), Plasil (Czech Republic), Pavelka (Czech Republic), Balta (Turkey), Sural (Czech Republic).

Referee

William Collum (Scotland)