Football

Czech Republic vs Turkey: A Crucial Clash for Euro 2024 QualificationAs the Euro 2024 group stage draws to a close, Czech Republic and Turkey face off in a pivotal match that will determine their fate in the tournament. Both teams enter the encounter with contrasting fortunes, setting the stage for an intriguing battle.Turkey, buoyed by their impressive 3-1 victory over Georgia in their opening match, are on the cusp of securing second place in Group F. A point against Czech Republic would all but guarantee their direct qualification to the Round of 16. The Turkish side has shown resilience and attacking prowess, with Burak Yılmaz and Cengiz Ünder leading the charge.Czech Republic, on the other hand, find themselves in a precarious position. After a disappointing 1-1 draw with Croatia, they need a victory to keep their qualification hopes alive. A draw would leave them with only two points, which would likely not be enough to secure a spot among the four best third-placed teams.The match will be played at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg on Thursday, June 27, at 12:30 AM IST. The stakes are high for both teams, and the atmosphere is expected to be electric.Czech Republic will be looking to their talismanic captain, Tomáš Souček, to inspire them to victory. The West Ham United midfielder is known for his tireless work rate and ability to create chances. Patrik Schick, the Bayer Leverkusen striker, will also be a key figure, having scored the equalizer against Croatia.Turkey will rely on the experience of their veteran goalkeeper, Volkan Babacan, to keep Czech Republic at bay. The 39-year-old has been in impressive form and will be determined to help his team secure qualification.The match promises to be a close and competitive affair, with both teams desperate for a positive result. Czech Republic will need to play with urgency and intensity, while Turkey will look to control the tempo and exploit their attacking threats.

Scotland stands on the cusp of history as they prepare to face Hungary on June 23rd. A victory would potentially secure their first-ever qualification for the knockout stages of a major tournament at Euro 2024.In 11 previous attempts, Scotland has consistently fallen short at the group stage. However, a battling 1-1 draw against Switzerland has rekindled hope and kept their dreams alive. A win against Hungary, who has lost both of their opening games, would likely be enough to secure second place in Group A or a spot among the four best third-placed teams that advance to the last 16.Scotland manager Steve Clarke had set a target of four points before the tournament began. The clash with Hungary presents Scotland's best chance of securing their first win at a major tournament since 1996. However, the Hungarians are also desperate for a victory to keep their hopes of qualification alive."When the draw was made, you were probably targeting the last two games," said Scotland midfielder Callum McGregor. "When you get a bad result, perspective goes out the window a little bit. It was probably the manner of the defeat the other night which made everyone feel a bit sore and not great.""As footballers, you have to deal with that. You have to try to put it right. We made the first step of putting it right and we arrive into the game on Sunday now with belief that if we play equally as well, if not better, we give ourselves a right good chance."Scotland captain Andy Robertson has expressed his belief that this squad has the potential to achieve "legendary status" by breaking new ground for the nation. However, they will need to overcome adversity to do so. Ryan Porteous remains banned after being sent off in the 5-1 thrashing by Germany in Munich. Injury to Kieran Tierney has deprived Clarke of another defender and one of Scotland's best players.Despite calls for more changes, nine of Clarke's squad have started both games. He must now decide whether to stick or twist in Stuttgart with a tight turnaround after an energy-sapping 90 minutes against the Swiss."We have to recover and bring the same energy level and the same tempo and the same aggression as we did against Switzerland," added McGregor.Tierney's injury opens the door for a change of system. Clarke has stumbled upon his preferred 5-4-1 formation to accommodate both the Arsenal left-back and Liverpool's Robertson in the same side. A switch to a back four would allow the former West Brom boss to include an extra forward player and make room for Bournemouth's Ryan Christie alongside the midfield four of McGregor, Billy Gilmour, Scott McTominay, and John McGinn.Many of the estimated 200,000 Tartan Army that have traveled to Germany are also calling for a change up front. Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland won player of the year awards in Scotland after scoring 31 goals this season. Yet, he has had barely a few minutes on the pitch in the opening two games as Clarke has opted for the extra mobility offered by Che Adams.Since taking charge in 2019, Clarke's loyalty has fostered continuity and a club-like team spirit that has brought his country back to two major tournaments after two decades in the wilderness. But a bolder approach may now be what Scotland needs to change their narrative on the international stage and end an unwanted record.