Throwdown Day for Turks and Czechs | Grant Wahl's Blog

Sorry, guys: I know I promised new Euro 2008 Power Rankings today, but we’re saving them for Monday (when they’ll probably get five times more eyeballs).

I know: you’re crushed. But there’s still plenty of good soccer on the docket for Sunday. Here’s my take on today’s Group A finales, featuring one huge game and one that means absolutely nothing (unless a Portuguese player gets hurt or picks up a card-suspension):

• Turkey vs. Czech Republic (2:45 p.m. ET, ESPN2). It’s winner-take-all for two teams deadlocked on three points, and if the score’s tied after 90 minutes we’ll see a penalty-kick shootout to determine a knockout-round participant—a first for a major tournament. I’ve gone back and forth on this game. The Czechs have more experience, but I also sense that they’re a little too old at this point, and their midfield (aside from right-sided Libor Sionko) has been a disappointment. Ordinarily I’d be concerned about the absence of injured Turkish string-puller Emre, but we’ve seen some serious cojones in attackers Nihat, Tuncay Sanli and young Jedi-knight goal-scorer Arda Turan, as well as defensive-mid Mehmet Aurélio. It’s never easy to beat a home-standing team facing elimination, and that comeback against Switzerland showed me something. Turkey 2, Czech Republic 1.

• Portugal vs. Switzerland (2:45 p.m. ET, ESPN Classic). Big Phil says he’s making five changes in his lineup, which seems about right for Portugal (which has already clinched first place in the group). The only Portuguese player carrying a yellow-card is right back Bosingwa (who might as well sit back and enjoy a cocktail on the bench today), but they’d still hate to see anyone pick up a Bastian Schweinsteiger-style stupid red card and miss the next match. Anyway, the only people who'll be watching this game are Portuguese and Swiss die-hards, and they'll get to see the co-hosts pick up a charity point. Portugal 1, Switzerland 1.

Who do you think will win between the Turks and Czechs? Please post your comments below, and come back for postgame reaction in the Euro Blog later this afternoon ...

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June 15, 2008 11:20 AM ET

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Altintop has yet to play a great game. Too bad the other twin isn't on the squad.

I think the Turkey-Czech game will be a thriller! Peter Cech making great saves throughout the game. I think the Czechs have been playing fairly well w/o Nedved and Rosicky. I think the Czechs have a better defense, both teams have offensive firepower.

I take the Turks 2-1 on sheer determination. I bet the atmosphere will be electric!

Big Chaco

Los Angeles , CA

Total Comments (1562)

June 15, 2008 12:11 PM ET

Grant, love the blog about the "euros", but where is the prediction for the US game today. In, my book anything under 5 will be a big letdown after the progress showed in each one of the build up games against real national teams.

Keep up the great work

BDrake521

New Port Richey , FL

Total Comments (1)

June 15, 2008 02:01 PM ET

If Altintop moves to his usual right midfield position then we have a clear winner in my opinion.

Turkey showed a lot of heart against the Swiss. If it hadn't been for the lack of a drainage system, which I found weird, Turkey probably would not have needed last minute heroics.