match 1:
Stade de Geneve - Geneva - Switzerland
TURKEY 3 - 2 CZECH REPUBLIC
Arda Turan 75
Nihat Kahveci 87, 89
Koller 34
Plašil 62
Entertainment value: 5 / 5
match 2:
Basel - St. Jakob-Park - Switzerland
SWITZERLAND 2 - 0 PORTUGAL
Hakan Yakin 71, 83 pen
EV: 4 / 5
Stade de Geneve - Geneva - Switzerland
TURKEY 3 - 2 CZECH REPUBLIC
Arda Turan 75
Nihat Kahveci 87, 89
Koller 34
Plašil 62
Entertainment value: 5 / 5
match 2:
Basel - St. Jakob-Park - Switzerland
SWITZERLAND 2 - 0 PORTUGAL
Hakan Yakin 71, 83 pen
EV: 4 / 5
Turkey came back from the dead after falling behind 2-0 to score three late goals to clinch the 2nd spot in the group. A draw had almost seemed likely which will have gone to a penalty shoot-out under UEFA regulations. Switzerland bowed out as hosts after a 2-0 victory against an under-strength Portugal side already assured of top spot in the group.
Turkey looked dead and buried but with determination and refusing to back down, they continued to play football to sensationally secure this impressive victory. Nihat was the hero for sure scoring 2 goals though credit must go to the whole team. For so long though especially in the 1st half, they did not look like a team that could score let alone needed a win to ensure qualification. They might also have been looking for that draw to go for penalty shoot-out. Facing Croatia next, they must improve as such luck may not be on their side again.
The Czechs were fancied to go far in the tournament but they fell flat on their faces with 2 and a half insipid displays in the 3 group matches. The other half is for the scintillating foorball that they played in the 1st half of last night's match when they could have gone more one goal in front. They have missed Rosicky's playmaking skills due to injury but from here on, they can rebuild knowing they are still a good footballing side despite this setback.
Switzerland were happy to exit with heads help up high and give the Swiss fans something to cheer about. They are an average team to be honest but the invaluable experience gained will help as they welcome incoming incubent Ottmar Hitzfeld taking over as coach.
Portugal 2nd-string side are still a quality team and they were looking to impress Scolari last night. That was the impressive strength in depth despite the defeat. The team selection also allowed key players to be rested including Ronaldo and Simao. No matter, if the Portugese first team stays injury free, they are very much fancied to advance far in the competition and with flair too.
Turkey looked dead and buried but with determination and refusing to back down, they continued to play football to sensationally secure this impressive victory. Nihat was the hero for sure scoring 2 goals though credit must go to the whole team. For so long though especially in the 1st half, they did not look like a team that could score let alone needed a win to ensure qualification. They might also have been looking for that draw to go for penalty shoot-out. Facing Croatia next, they must improve as such luck may not be on their side again.
The Czechs were fancied to go far in the tournament but they fell flat on their faces with 2 and a half insipid displays in the 3 group matches. The other half is for the scintillating foorball that they played in the 1st half of last night's match when they could have gone more one goal in front. They have missed Rosicky's playmaking skills due to injury but from here on, they can rebuild knowing they are still a good footballing side despite this setback.
Switzerland were happy to exit with heads help up high and give the Swiss fans something to cheer about. They are an average team to be honest but the invaluable experience gained will help as they welcome incoming incubent Ottmar Hitzfeld taking over as coach.
Portugal 2nd-string side are still a quality team and they were looking to impress Scolari last night. That was the impressive strength in depth despite the defeat. The team selection also allowed key players to be rested including Ronaldo and Simao. No matter, if the Portugese first team stays injury free, they are very much fancied to advance far in the competition and with flair too.
akim - the Italian fan