The Czech Republic’s Euro 2024 campaign ended in disappointment as they fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Turkey in their final group stage match. This loss placed them at the bottom of Group F.
Following earlier defeats to Portugal and a draw with Georgia, the Czechs required a victory to avoid elimination, but their hopes were dashed by Turkey.
West Ham‘s Tomáš Souček and Vladimír Coufal both started the match, but teammate Antonín Barák then received the fastest red card in Euros history after just 20 minutes, putting the Czech Republic at a disadvantage.
Despite being down a player, the Czechs showed determination and defensive strength. They even had a chance to take the lead before halftime through David Jurásek.
Turkey broke the deadlock six minutes after the break with a goal from Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Souček responded with an equalizer for the Czechs with a volley in the 65th minute.
Both teams pressed for a winner, and Turkey secured the victory in stoppage time with a goal from former Everton and Crystal Palace striker Cenk Tosun.
The game was marked by its ill temper, setting a new Euros record with 18 cards shown. The Czechs even had a second red card for substitute Tomáš Chorý at the final whistle.
Despite the overall team disappointment, West Ham’s Souček and Coufal can be proud of their individual performances. Souček scored a goal, and Coufal provided an assist. Impressively, both players completed every minute of the Czech Republic’s Euros campaign.