Goals of the match

1st goal in 34 th minute Czech Republic 1 Turkey 0: Jan Koller got the first lead for the Czechs scoring in the 34 th minute with a header.

2nd goal in 62 nd minuteCzech Republic 2 Turkey 0 : Jaro Slav Plasil scored another goal in the second half and looked if Czech Republic are through to the quarter finals of Euro 2008 with Portugal from Group A.

3rd goal in the 75 th minute Czech Republic 2 Turkey 1: Adra Turan hit a superb strike past Petr Czech to give his side some hopes with 15 minutes remaining in the match.

4th goal in the 87 th minuteCzech Republic 2 Turkey 2: Villareal's Nihat Kahveci brought Turkey strongly back in the game with a dramatic goal with just 3 minutes remaining in the match.

5 th goal in 89 th minute: Czech Republic 2 Turkey 3: What a finish it got to the match. Nihat Kaveci stroke another goal in the match and Turkey made it to the quarter-finals of Euro 2008.


Video Highlights of Turkey Vs Czech Republic in Euro 2008

Portugal produced a strong display to overcome a much improved Czech Republic side and secure qualification from Group A..

Portugal

Ricardo: 6 - Not tested all that often, but had a couple of shaky moments, flapping at one corner in particular which, fortunately for him, did not cost his side a goal. Made one great save from Sionko which helped his rating.

Bosingwa: 7 - His pace was an asset in making a number of saving tackles. Wasn't prolific enough in possession going forward.

Pepe: 8 - A commanding presence as usual. Tremendously strong and fast which made him very hard to beat.

Carvalho: 7.5 - Swept up routinely at the back and rarely looked troubled. Did well to keep pace with Milan Baros on the most part.

Ferreira: 7 - Certainly gets an A for effort, particularly going forward and supplying crosses on his left foot despite being a right-back. Was not entirely comfortable with Sionko running at him, but hung in there to his credit.

Simao: 6 - Had a poor first half but became more involved in the second. Still seemed too hesitant in possession to make the difference; allowed himself to be closed down too easily.

Petit: 5 - Was poor, which will disappoint him after a good start in the previous game. Gave away careless fouls as he got tired towards the end of the game. Will be hoping he will keep his place in the side as he is playing his last tournament for his country.

Deco: 8.5 - Continued his good form from the first game and looked fitter as well. Played well in the build-up to the first and ensured the ball eventually got over the line. Also provided a smart assist for the match-winner and a great through-pass that eventually resulted in the third.

Moutinho: 6.5 - A little lost in today's game, but kept things moving and did the simple things well. Lacked the physical presence to impose himself against the Czechs' midfield.

Ronaldo : 8.5 - A consistent menace. Took his goal brilliantly, made a good run to eventually play a vital part in the opener as well and was selfless when playing in Quaresma for the third at the death when he could have scored himself.

Nuno Gomes: 7.5 - Understated but crucial. Played a smart reverse pass in the build-up to the opening goal for Ronaldo. Had a couple of decent efforts himself. Kept the defenders busy.

Substitutes

Meira: 6.5 - Defensively solid.

Almeida: 5 - Poor first touch, gave the ball away too often.

Quaresma: 6.5 - In the right place at the right time to tap in the third.



Czech Republic

Cech: 7 - Did his utmost to keep the goals out but was given very little chance. Made some good saves and was as reliable as ever.

Grygera: 6 - Somewhat positionally suspect for the first goal, but otherwise fairly solid down the right hand side.

Ujfalusi: 7 - A strong performance from the skipper, who stayed tight to Nuno Gomes and organised the defence well.

Rozehnal: 6.5 - His physical presence was an asset and he was a threat from set-pieces as well, but was positionally suspect now and again.

Jankulovsky: 7 - Stood firm on his flank and was thoroughly superior to Simao in the first half. However, he lost his legs slightly in the second, as Portugal were able to exploit the right as well as the left flank.

Sionko: 7.5 - A real threat down the right hand side. Took his goal very well and his running gave Paulo Ferreira a fair few problems. Got into several great positions and had some good efforts on goal; slightly unlucky not to score a second.

Matejovsky: 7 - Picked a few good passes and was better than Jarolim - the man he replaced in the side - but did n't get on the ball enough.

Galasek: 7.5 - Definitely the Czechs' best player, even though he was withdrawn towards the end when his side were chasing the game. Worked tirelessly, closed down spaces and doubled up with his defenders, making several saving challenges throughout. A performance reminiscent of him in his prime after a slightly laboured first game against Switzerland.

Polak: 7 - Not quite as impressive as in the first game, but a solid presence in midfield, though his influence waned in the first half.

Plasil: 7.5 - A solid creative force. Took good set-pieces and always looked capable of causing Portugal a problem when on the ball, but he didn't see enough of it.

Baros: 7.5 - Worked extremely hard for the team. Ran tirelessly and looked like the Baros of 2004, who finished top scorer of the previous edition of this competition.

Substitutes

Vlcek: 6

Koller: 6

Jarolim: n/a

The opening fixture of Euro 2008 is not quite the blockbuster everyone would be hoping for by any means, but it could well provide an intriguing clue as to how the tournament unfolds. Will we be in for a dramatic, thrilling Euro 2000, with a clash of the titans in the final being decided by a golden goal, or a slightly less thrilling but nonetheless dramatic Euro 2004 in which Greece managed to pull off one of the greatest upsets in European Championship history, entering as a bottom seed but going on to win the tournament?

If Switzerland manage a victory then this could be yet another tournament for the underdog, but the Czechs are hardly giants themselves and are missing the two players who are quite easily their most high profile. Legend Pavel Nedved has of course taken the eventual decision to retire from international football while Tomas Rosicky's never-ending battle with injury is ongoing.

They will require yet more work after the Championship when iconic target-man Jan Koller calls time on his international career, but he is sure to give his all in one last push to do his part to get his country its first ever major honour on the international stage. They of course reached the final in Euro 96 and the semi-final in Euro 2004 only to see success elude them - could Euro 2008 be their last chance?

They are without doubt perennial underdogs and relish such a position. They have always made their way by disposing of sides beneath them in the pecking order, where more star-studded sides tend to stumble. The real test for them will come in the knock-outs, but first and foremost they must maintain their usual prolificacy in the group stages.

Facing hosts is never an easy proposition - particularly in the opening game - and Switzerland are coming into the tournament off the back of a couple of convincing wins in warm-up matches. While it must be noted that Liechtenstein and Slovakia are hardly the stiffest of opposition, winning is a habit and if the Swiss army carry this momentum into their opening game they could spring a surprise on their visitors.

This modern incarnation of Switzerland is famous for having been eliminated from the 2006 World Cup without conceding a goal; their woeful penalty shootout against Ukraine proved their undoing after what had been an impressive if not all that entertaining qualification from the group stage. Philippe Senderos is almost like another player entirely for his country, but is no doubt helped by the defensive tactics employed by coach Jakob Kuhn. It is their unit that provides strength - with Inler no doubt set to be a star for them - but their problem may be outstanding individual play to create goals.

Valon Behrami may prove a key man in this respect. The outgoing Lazio star has already expressed his enthusiasm leading up to the tournament and will relish the attacking freedom he is allowed on the wing for his country, having been played as a full-back at club level.

Gelson Fernandes may also have a fair amount of responsibility to create, and having not enjoyed the most morale-boosting time at Manchester City in recent months, there is a chance he may be found wanting. The key to their attacks will be using the flanks to their full effect. Barnetta, Vonlanthen, Behrami, Degen, Lichtsteiner and Magnin are all able down the flanks as full-backs and wingers, and if they use wide areas to break and try and hit the Czechs where they are somewhat weaker, they may well grab the opening day victory the whole country will be hoping for.


FORM GUIDE

Switzerland

* May 30 Switzerland 3-0 Liechtenstein (Friendly)

* May 24 Switzerland 2-0 Slovakia (Friendly)

* March 26 Switzerland 0-4 Germany (Friendly)

* February 6 England 2-1 Switzerland (Friendly)

* November 20 Switzerland 0-1 Nigeria (Friendly)

* October 17 Switzerland 0-1 United States (Friendly)


Czech Republic

* May 30 Czech Republic 3-1 Scotland (Friendly)

* May 27 Czech Republic 2-0 Lithuania (Friendly)

* March 26 Denmark 1-1 Czech Republic (Friendly)

* February 6 Poland 2-0 Czech Republic (Friendly)

* November 21 Cyprus 0-2 Czech Republic (European Championship qualifier)

* November 17 Czech Republic 3-1 Slovakia (European Championship qualifier)



TEAM NEWS

Switzerland

Despite having played 4-4-2 in their two recent victories, against tougher opposition the Swiss are likely to revert to 4-5-1, with Alexander Frei the lone striker and fellow front-man Streller withdrawn for attacking midfielder Hakan Yakin. Tranquillo Barnetta has overcome an ankle injury and will be fit to start, though Johan Vonlanthen's impressive performances during his lay-off may make competition for the left-wing slot fairly stiff. Veteran defender Patrick Müller has looked solid in the warm-up games despite recently suffering a cruciate ligament injury and should prevent Johan Djourou from lining up with Arsenal team-mate Philippe Senderos in defence.

Probable XI (4-4-1-1): Benaglio - Lichtsteiner, Müller, Senderos, Magnin - Behrami, Inler, Fernandes, Barnetta - Yakin - Frei.


Czech Republic

It is likely that the Czechs will not want to risk too much and will therefore start with a similar system to their hosts. Milan Baros will most likely drop to the bench and come on only if they are pressing for a result, with Sionko having earned his place following a brace against Scotland and Plašil also likely to start. Full-back Zdněk Pospěch has the flu and will be sitting out the game, with Juventus' Zdeněk Grygera a possible like-for-like replacement, though Ujfalusi could play at right-back allowing Radoslav Kovac to partner David Rozehnal in defence. With the possibilities continuing, Matejovsky's place may also be taken by a more creative player such as Jarolim.

Probable XI (4-5-1): Cech - Grygera, Ujfalusi, Rozehnal, Jankulovski - Sionko, Matejovsky, Galasek, Polak, Plašil - Koller.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Switzerland - Gökhan Inler

The 23-year-old will play a key role protecting the defence in a game where Switzerland, despite being the home nation, will be under some pressure for periods of the game. Has enjoyed a tremendous debut season with Udinese and is likely to carry that form through for his national side in this summer's tournament. For the Czechs, it will be a matter of working around Inler in order to ensure they can break through what is sure to be a packed defence.

Czech Republic - Jan Koller

The big man is likely to be up front on his own and surrounded by a sea of red shirts for long periods throughout the evening. He will have his work cut out, having to knock down several high balls and attempt to put his aerial prowess to good use when attempting to fashion chances on goal. He has just recently announced he will be retiring from international football after the tournament, and he will no doubt be keen to improve on what is already an incredible goal-scoring ratio for his country.

PREDICTION

Home support has been known to work its wonders in the past and there is nothing to suggest the same may not happen tomorrow evening. However, the form guide tells a story: the Czechs have been clinical in disposing of all inferior opposition while Switzerland have only managed results against the weakest of opposition. A home win would be quite an achievement - and one that definitely cannot be ruled out - but the Czechs should have enough at their disposal to make it a less than memorable opening day for the home support.

Switzerland 1-2 Czech Republic...

Bruckner: We'll Play Our Own Game

The Czech Republic arrived at their Euro 2008 base in Seefled, Austria this morning, and coach Karel Bruckner was not prepared to give any details of his game-plans.

The manager only said that his planned starting line-up will be set with one eye on the opposition. The Czechs play co-hosts Switzerland on Saturday in their opening encounter.

The 68-year-old Bruckner, who has announced his intention to end his seven-year reign at the helm after the tournament, maintained that his side were concerned only with ‘psychological well-being’, and that their focus was on ‘precise details.’

“Our line-up will always be one that suits our play, with a view to the opposition,” he said before lauding the tactical alternatives available to him.

The Czechs will face off against Portugal and Turkey in their other Group A matches, and have a clean bill of health ahead of a potentially tricky group. Marek Matejovsky of Reading and Milan’s Marek Jankulovski have both recovered from minor problems and will be fit to face the Swiss at the weekend.

HEART ATTACK

The Euro ‘96 finalists had their training session interrupted at Seefeld this afternoon as the ground’s head of security suffering a heart attack. Relief was felt all round when resuscitation attempts proved successful, and the Czechs warmed down 30 minutes late.

The Czech Republic ran out comfortable 3-1 winners over Scotland here on Friday, but big question marks still remain over the home side’s midfield ahead of next week’s Euro 2008 finals.

Two goals from former Rangers misfit Libor Sionko and one from Michal Kadlec were enough to sink the Scots on a stifling hot evening, with a goal from debut boy David Clarkson all the away side could muster in reply.

But the victory did nothing to please Czech coach Karel Bruckner with his weakened midfield — minus Arsenal’s maestro Tomas Rosicky — failing to exert enough dominance in this their last warm-up match before Euro 2008.

It was the home side who piled on the early pressure, and they could have scored when Rudi Skacel’s cut-back found its way to Jan Koller, who fired over.

A Gary Caldwell foul on Koller 30 yards out provided the Czechs with another opportunity, but Tomas Galasek’s free-kick was comfortably held by Craig Gordon.

The towering Koller missed another chance to break the Scots resistance after Sionko set him up with a great cross from the right.

The Scots, in this their first away match under George Burley, managed a few ventures forward but failed to put their hosts under too much pressure.

Gordon was again called into action to block a thunderous long-ranger from Jan Polak, with Marek Jankulovski pouncing on the rebound only to blast it into the side netting.

At half-time, the 1,800-strong Tartan Army in the less-than-full AXA Arena were beginning to fear the worst.

And their fears were to be realised on the hour-mark when the former Ibrox man gathered Zdenek Pospech’s pass on his chest before firing home from a few yards out.

The Czechs doubled their lead with 83 minutes on the clock when Michal Kadlec - once linked with a move to Celtic - rifled low into the net.

Scotland immediately bounced back from that shock when two minutes later substitute Clarkson celebrated his first international goal when he deftly switched from his right to his left foot and fired home past Petr Cech.

But Sionko claimed his second of the night with a minute to go when he looped a shot over Gordon, giving the Euro 1996 runners-up a hard-fought victory.

The result means Burley is handed his first defeat as Scotland coach, and he will have plenty to think about ahead of September’s World Cup qualifier in Macedonia.

But it is his counterpart on the night who will have the biggest cause for concern, after a labouring performance that little justifies their ranking as the sixth best side in the world.

The Czech Republic start their Euro 2008 campaign with a Group A match against hosts Switzerland on the first day of the June 7 to 29, 16-nation tournament.