(From L) Turkey's midfielder #10 Hakan Calhanoglu, Czech Republic's midfielder #14 Lukas Provod and Turkey's midfielder #16 Ismail Yuksek collide during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group F football match between the Czech Republic and Turkey at the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg on June 26, 2024. (Photo by Christophe SIMON / AFP)
HAMBURG: Turkiye coach Vincenzo Montella lauded captain Hakan Calhanoglu (pic) as the complete player after a rocket of a goal helped his side beat the Czech Republic 2-1 on Wednesday, firing them into the knockout stages of the Euros for the first time in 16 years.
Calhanoglu put Turkiye ahead in the 50th minute with a venomous shot fired into the far corner of the net using the outside of his boot, sparking hysteria in Hamburg among Turkey’s army of fans.
The Czechs – now eliminated – levelled through Tomas Soucek before Turkiye’s Cenk Tosun sealed the win.
Montella said Calhanoglu’s finishing was world class.
“He’s a very complete player. He can play all over midfield,” he said. “He managed to score an extraordinary goal. If you look at the way he took the shot, there are few players in the world that can take a shot like he does.
In a thrilling but ill-tempered match, the referee dished out two red cards and 16 yellows, including to Calhanoglu who was booked for unsporting conduct in appealing against the Czech Republic goal.
“Calhanoglu was just asking the referee for an explanation,” he said. “He’s the captain. That’s his role. He’s allowed to do that. I’m sure he said nothing offensive. That was a bit too strict. And we will pay for it dearly.” — Reuters
