Post by Monica-Webmaster on Jun 14, 2008 13:44:10 GMT
Czech Republic v Turkey
DailyRecord.co.uk
TURKISH superkid Arda Turan is adamant there will be no historic Euro 2008 penalty shoot-out tomorrow - as his side can crush the Czech Republic.
Fatih Terim's troops are on a major high going into the showdown against Karel Bruckner's men in Geneva after their last-gasp triumph ended Switzerland's hopes.
Turan scored a stunning injury-time winner to set up the win-or-bust clash against the Czechs.
Both sides are locked on identical points and goal difference. A draw would mean a first group stage penalty shoot-out to decide who wins a place in the quarter-finals.
But Turan, who is being watched by Newcastle United, said: "Everything is in our hands. If we beat the Czechs, we are in the quarter-finals and that would represent a great success for this team. We can do it."
Czech coach Bruckner is also adamant his side will do their utmost to avoid the nightmare penalty scenario.
The Czechs' 3-1 defeat to Portugal - coupled with Turkey's last-gasp win - has set up the possibility of an unenviable decider.
Ironically, in 1976 Czechoslovakia won the inaugural major finals shootout against West Germany.
Bruckner said: "We know there is an alternative to going to penalties, even though we are going to practise them.
"We have to focus on the game and give a quality display like we did in the first half against Portugal. That will allow us to try to decide the issue in the 90 minutes.
"I'm a little bit surprised that Switzerland are out after just two matches but between us and Turkey it is now a play-off."
Bruckner has given his players some time off after the Portugal defeat to allow them to recuperate from the lengthy journey back from western Switzerland. But the coach has been busy since planning and plotting the downfall of the Turks.
He knows he must make major decisions in attack after being criticised for starting Milan Baros against Portugal at the expense of Jan Koller.
Bruckner said: "Baros is a very different type of player to Koller, very quick and very dangerous if he has space to run into. I believe it was a good decision."
The defending will have to improve after Portugal peppered Petr Cech's goal throughout the Czechs' last match.
Bruckner said: "Our preparations mean we have to analyse both of our games against Switzerland and Portugal.
"We can take the good things from the Portugal match, particularly in the first half, but we have to try to improve our defending in specific situations."
Bruckner admits it could be an emotional occasion for him in Geneva if things do not go to plan.
The manager will step down from his position after the tournament and defeat will end his reign as boss.
Bruckner said: "It could be a special match for me but I hope there will be others still to come."
DailyRecord.co.uk
TURKISH superkid Arda Turan is adamant there will be no historic Euro 2008 penalty shoot-out tomorrow - as his side can crush the Czech Republic.
Fatih Terim's troops are on a major high going into the showdown against Karel Bruckner's men in Geneva after their last-gasp triumph ended Switzerland's hopes.
Turan scored a stunning injury-time winner to set up the win-or-bust clash against the Czechs.
Both sides are locked on identical points and goal difference. A draw would mean a first group stage penalty shoot-out to decide who wins a place in the quarter-finals.
But Turan, who is being watched by Newcastle United, said: "Everything is in our hands. If we beat the Czechs, we are in the quarter-finals and that would represent a great success for this team. We can do it."
Czech coach Bruckner is also adamant his side will do their utmost to avoid the nightmare penalty scenario.
The Czechs' 3-1 defeat to Portugal - coupled with Turkey's last-gasp win - has set up the possibility of an unenviable decider.
Ironically, in 1976 Czechoslovakia won the inaugural major finals shootout against West Germany.
Bruckner said: "We know there is an alternative to going to penalties, even though we are going to practise them.
"We have to focus on the game and give a quality display like we did in the first half against Portugal. That will allow us to try to decide the issue in the 90 minutes.
"I'm a little bit surprised that Switzerland are out after just two matches but between us and Turkey it is now a play-off."
Bruckner has given his players some time off after the Portugal defeat to allow them to recuperate from the lengthy journey back from western Switzerland. But the coach has been busy since planning and plotting the downfall of the Turks.
He knows he must make major decisions in attack after being criticised for starting Milan Baros against Portugal at the expense of Jan Koller.
Bruckner said: "Baros is a very different type of player to Koller, very quick and very dangerous if he has space to run into. I believe it was a good decision."
The defending will have to improve after Portugal peppered Petr Cech's goal throughout the Czechs' last match.
Bruckner said: "Our preparations mean we have to analyse both of our games against Switzerland and Portugal.
"We can take the good things from the Portugal match, particularly in the first half, but we have to try to improve our defending in specific situations."
Bruckner admits it could be an emotional occasion for him in Geneva if things do not go to plan.
The manager will step down from his position after the tournament and defeat will end his reign as boss.
Bruckner said: "It could be a special match for me but I hope there will be others still to come."
( and what's worse:Milan didn't even play..but he got to see a yellow card 
it's so sad 
