Czech Republic Suffer EURO 2024 Exit After Tosun's Late Strike

Close Encounter With Red Card and Controversy

The Czech Republic's hopes of reaching the knockout stages of EURO 2024 were dashed in heartbreaking fashion on Sunday, as a stoppage-time goal from Cenk Tosun sent Turkey through and condemned the Czechs to an exit.

Tensions High in Hamburg

The match in Hamburg was a tense affair from the start, with both sides eager to secure a place in the last 16. The Czechs controlled possession in the first half but were unable to convert their chances, while Turkey defended resolutely and threatened on the counter-attack.

Things took a dramatic turn just before half-time when Czech defender Jakub Brabec was sent off for a second yellow card. The decision enraged the Czech players and staff, who felt it was a harsh call.

Undeterred, the Czechs continued to press forward in the second half, and they eventually took the lead through Patrik Schick. However, Turkey refused to give up, and they equalized through Hakan Calhanoglu with just five minutes remaining.

With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Tosun popped up with the dramatic winner in the 94th minute. The Turkish striker latched onto a long ball, and his shot took a fortunate deflection off Czech defender Ondrej Kudela before nestling in the back of the net.

The Czech Republic will rue their missed chances and the red card incident, while Turkey will be delighted to have reached the knockout stages for the first time since 2008.