Euro 2008 Diary [day9]

Czech Republic 2-3 Turkey / Switzerland 2-0 Portugal

With Portugal already through and Switzerland already out the winner takes a quarter final spot match between Czech Republic and Turkey is the main draw. Both games are scheduled to take place at the same time, but a hold up over stud examinations in Geneva puts the more crucial of the two matches behind schedule. The Czechs, although much improved without him in their second match, have recalled Jan Koller, who John Champion describes as "not so much over the hill as halfway down the other side".

The first half is tight, testy and cagey and there are two Turkish bookings before a real chance is fashioned; Marek Matejovsky testing Volkan Demirel, the latter not put off by the Turkish fans behind him seemingly singing a rendition of 'Minnie the Moocher'. Libor Sionko has been the best Czech player in the tournament and has already come close twice himself before crossing for the opening goal; Koller inevitably leaping highest to power home a header from twelve yards.

Half-time brings some retro praise from David Moyes for "Czechoslovakia" whilst Andy Townsend paints a worrying picture; "Servet is literally, literally up his backside". Highlights from the other game in Basel suggest Switzerland are taking advantage of an under-strength Portugese side. Efforts from Hakan Yakin's header and Johan Volanthen's strike coming as close to beating Ricardo as Pepe's flick is to beating Pascal Zuberbuhler in a match that remains goalless thus far.

Back to the second half in Geneva and Turkey, buoyed on by their very vocal support, are livelier but despite their obvious height disadvantage continue to hit wasteful crosses into the box. Whilst Turkish centre half Emre Gungo leaves the field through injury the Czechs take advantage of their extra man and Koller should double the lead as he races clear from halfway only to poke his shot wide. Within a minute and with Turkey still a man down the second goal arrives as Sionko's cross is met at the far post by Jaroslav Plasil. The Turkish bench are incensed prompting Champion and Jim Beglin to wade into a minefield of lazy stereotypes about Turkish superstition and temperament. As the news breaks that Switzerland have taken the lead in Basel the match in Geneva is almost wrapped up but Jan Polak can only hit the post from Zdenek Grygera's cross.

Having been let-off at one end Turkey briefly return to their low passing game and it pays dividends as they work a goal back; Sabri Sarioglu feeding Hamit Altintop with a glorious pass and his pull-back is turned in by Arda Turan. In the other match Hakan Yakin has sent the host nation out on a high, scoring a penalty to cement a 2-0 win. However all eyes are on what is turning out to be e frenetic final ten minutes in Geneva. Servet should equalise for Turkey but can only make minimal contact with Hamit's cross heading it weakly wide instead. With just three minutes left Turkey are thrown, or rather dropped a life-line. Hamit's cross looks harmless enough, however it is dropped by Petr Cech right onto the foot of Nihat Kahveci and the captain scores the equaliser.

The momentum is with Turkey now and incredibly within two minutes it is 3-2 to Turkey; Nihat is played in and with remarkable composure completes the come-back, curling the ball over Cech and in off the underside of the bar. "What next?" yells Champion, "Don't ask me" is Beglin's shrill reply. There is still much more though as in injury time a long high punt downfield sees Volkan collide with Servet to leave the goal gaping, yet Stanislav Vlcek can only head wide. While the replay is being shown Volkan is sent off for a cynical push on Koller and with all three Turkish subs on the field Tuncay dons the gloves. Luckily for him the only remaining action is another booking, for Milan Baros despite the fact he is still on the Czech bench and Turkey scrape through; as Champions summarises; "It defies belief".