TURKEY REMAIN IN with a chance of reaching the last 16 of Euro 2016 after securing an impressive 2-0 win over Czech Republic in Lens tonight.
Fatih Terim’s side came into their final Group D encounter without a goal or point to their name, but victory thanks to strikes from Burak Yilmaz and Ozan Tufan lifted them above their opponents and into contention for one of the third-place qualification berths.
By contrast, Czech Republic, missing talisman Tomas Rosicky through injury, are eliminated with their stirring late fightback to earn a 2-2 draw against Croatia last time out ultimately counting for nothing.
The opener arrived in the 10th minute as Burak applied the decisive touch to a sweeping Turkey move with a fine finish, before Tufan smashed home to double the lead midway through the second half.
Czech Republic struck the woodwork through Tomas Sivok shortly after Burak’s effort, but Pavel Vrba’s men — who knew a win would seal a last-16 spot — failed to create much else in the way of goalscoring opportunities as they crashed out.
Meanwhile, Turkey must wait for results from Groups E and F on Wednesday to see if their participation at the finals will be extended, while the result also subsequently guaranteed Northern Ireland’s progress from Group C.
