Euro 2016 Group D: Turkey to Czech out of tournament in goal glut

Sparta Prague player Krejci continues to develop apace, and his young legs at 23 will be a test for that makeshift Turkish defence exposed so often against Spain. Although shorter than Dockal, Krejci is still a tempting 2/1 chance.

Vrba’s other selection call is who to lead the Czech attack with Milan Skoda and Tomas Necid coming off the bench to score the goals that rescued a draw with Croatia. Both are equal 7/4 chances to net again, alongside David Lafata, who has a strike against Turkey on his CV.

Turan desires Turkish delight

If recent meetings are any indicator, then both teams are vulnerable to goal threats from the flanks. Chief among those for Terim’s charges is Crescent-Stars captain Arda Turan.

With two goals in five caps against the Czech Republic, Turan should tear it up and remind Barcelona he is a talent worthy of more than sitting on the bench.

Superb 7/2 odds say Turan will take a chance and net anytime. Turkey are yet to score at the Euros, though, but fellow wideman Hakan Calhanoglu offers a dual threat.

Taking free-kicks with some distinction for Bayer Leverkusen this term, Calhanoglu also grabbed a goal against England before the tournament. He is a tempting 2/1 chance to score again anytime, having also put one past the Czechs in qualifying.

Both sides must go for broke

All but two of the eight meetings since the Czech Republic dissolved its union with Slovakia have contained three goals or more. Couple this with the fact that both Vrba and Terim have to try and win to ensure a third-place finish, and the net should bulge regularly.

It’s the lack of natural central defenders selected in Turkish ranks that remains their weak spot. Terim is well within his right to rely on players who served him well at Euro 2008 in that crazy Crescent-Stars run to the semis, but Hakan Balta was a left back and Mehmet Topal a midfield shield.

Based on that, it’s the Czech Republic that look worth siding with as 3/1 chances to win and the match total to be over 2.5 goals.

Related

You’ll find comprehensive coverage of Euro 2016 on our dedicated section.

Coral’s top tip: Cash in on the Czech Republic winning and there being more than 2.5 goals in their game with Turkey at terrific 3/1 odds.