"Turkey Stuns Czech Republic with a Dramatic 2nd Half Comeback in Euro 2008"
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 By Divakar Mithal, WorldTime News Staff Writer
Geneva, Switzerland - June 15, 2008 - The Euro 2008 cup approaches the end of the first round, but the excitement has only just begun. The rainy conditions and intense crowd fueled the drama at Stade de Geneve, as Turkey stunned the Czech Republic with a dramatic comeback in the 2nd half in a 3-2 win. With the prospect of a potential trip to the 2nd round being decided by an unprecedented penalty shoot out, both sides played the game at an exceedingly high level. Yet consistent play gave way to an incredible momentum shift, as the Turkish side, already demonstrating a knack for comebacks in this tournament, showed the type of resiliency that will make them heroes in their home country. And they advanced to the second round of Euro 2008.
The Czechs had many opportunities early as they crossed and headed towards the Turkish goal. Essentially they controlled the first half, allowing the Turks no chance to score, and striking quickly when they had the ball. Indeed, down one goal to nil on a beautiful first-half header from Jan Koller, Turkey looked finished when Jaroslav Plasil scored the Czech's second goal in the 62nd minute. Turkey had not played poorly, however, and after a flurry of desperate runs from the Turkish side, Arda Turan finally broke through in the 75th minute and shrank the Czech lead to one goal.
Knowing that one goal would allow them a chance to battle the Czechs in a penalty kick off, the Turks fought with determination, hoping the few minutes before the final whistle sounded would allow them to find a crack in the Czech's dense defense. In the center of the defense was goal-keeper Petr Cech, arguably the best keeper in the world. On a Turkish cross in the 87th minute, he reached up to catch the ball with both hands, but uncharacteristically the ball slipped from his grip. Surely the weather played a role, as Cech's grasp of the ball never seemed firm. Suddenly, the icon of Turkish determination, their tiny striker and captain Kahveci Nihat, slipped into the long shadow of Cech and poked home the equalizer.
With the score tied 2-2, and the clock closing in on the 90th minute, a shoot out seemed inevitable. Again, Nihat had other ideas in mind, taking advantage of a well placed pass in the middle of the field, turning quickly to goal and unleashing a ferocious shot over Cech's left shoulder. The usually unbeatable keeper had no chance as the ball hit the crossbar, bouncing into the goal. The Czech's looked bewildered unsure of themselves and their surroundings. The clock was in the 89th minute, the score 3-2 to the Turkish side and moments later reality set in: Turkey had accomplished what seemed impossible, the Czech's had been eliminated.
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Kahveci Nihat, Man of the Match, scores the contests winning goal in the 89th minute. |
Surely the loss was disappointing for the Czechs having controlled the majority of the match, but anyone could admire the inspiration with which Turkey fought back. The contest was a pleasure from start to finish, with Turkey earning their victory in a manner that should have their second round opponent concerned. |
