BERLIN, June 26 (Xinhua) — Türkiye advanced as Group F runner-up into the last 16 after goals from Hakan Calhanoglu and Cenk Tosun eliminated ten-men Czech Republic 2-1 while third-placed Georgia also progressed after beating leader Portugal 2-0 in the last round of group play on Wednesday.

The Czech Republic needed a victory to reach the next round, but Antonin Barak’s dismissal for repeated foul play handed the Turks a numerical advantage with only 20 minutes into the encounter.

Türkiye assumed control and created a presentable opportunity in the 27th minute when Arda Guler’s sideways scissor kick got blocked in the last nick of time by Ladislav Krejci.

The Czechs almost stunned Türkiye before halftime, but David Jurasek couldn’t finish the job with only goalkeeper Mert Gunok to beat.

After the restart, Türkiye piled on the pressure and came close in the opening stages of the second half as Baris Yilmaz’s header forced goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek into action.

Stanek was hapless though moments later as Calhanoglu benefitted on a rebound and slotted home the opener from the edge of the box into the far post bottom corner.

Türkiye’s lead didn’t last long as outnumbered Czechs answered against the flow of the match after Türkiye couldn’t clear the ball from their area following a throw-in, allowing Tomas Soucek to level the scores in the 66th minute.

Vincenzo Montella’s men put their progression beyond doubt in the added time as substitute Cenk Tosun finished off a solo run to make it 2-1 on the scoreboards.

In the other Group F match, Euro debutant Georgia secured its spot for the last 16 after edging uninspired group leader Portugal 2-0 on the goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Georges Mikautadze.

“It’s a defeat. We started with low intensity, we conceded early and that’s what Georgia needed. We weren’t clear-headed enough with the last pass and in front of the goal, and their goalkeeper staged an amazing performance. We tried to score but couldn’t, and that made Georgia believe more. They deserved to win,” said Portugal coach Roberto Martinez.

With the results, Portugal completed the group stage atop the standings, followed by Türkiye (both six points), Georgia (4 points) and the Czech Republic (1 point).

Source(s): Xinhua

BERLIN, June 25 (Xinhua) — Austria won Group D after Marcel Sabitzer’s late 3-2 winner stunned the Netherlands whereas Robert Lewandowski helped Poland hold France to a 1-1 stalemate in the last round of group play on Tuesday.

The Netherlands caught the worst possible start at Berlin Olympia stadium as Donyell Malen cleared Alexanders Prass’ square pass into the wrong goal, giving Austria a 1-0 lead with six minutes played.

The Dutchmen responded well and tried to restore parity, but Tijjani Reijnders squandered two promising opportunities as the match progressed.

Austria remained dangerous though as Sabitzer tested goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen with a low shot in the 38th minute.

The Netherlands caught a perfect start two minutes into the second half as Xavi Simons initiated a counterattack before feeding Cody Gakpo, who curled the ball into the far post corner with a well-placed shot.

It was a short-lived joy for Ronald Koeman’s men as Austria bounced back and took the lead again after Florian Grillitsch’s pinpoint cross allowed Romano Schmid to nod home at the hour mark.

The Netherlands remained unimpressed and made it two all with 75 minutes gone as Memphis Depay tapped home Wout Weghort’s assist by header.

Austria had the last laugh and clinched the group win after Sabitzer finished off Christoph Baumgartner’s good build-up work from tight angle to round off the 3-2 victory.

“The team showed a great will today. They always came back and that against a strong opponent which is remarkable. In the end, we secured a deserved victory here. It is unbelievable that we have won this group after staring with a defeat,” said Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick.

In the other Group D clash, France failed to secure the group win as veteran striker Robert Lewandowski cancelled out Kylian Mbappe’s opener to ensure a 1-1 draw.

With the result, Austria finished the group atop the standings with six points, followed by France (5 points), the Netherlands (4 points) and Poland (1 point).

“I would like to thank the fans for showing up today despite us being eliminated. We fought until the end, and we had some really good spells,” said Poland coach Michal Probierz.

Source(s): Xinhua

LOS ANGELES, June 24 (Xinhua) — Five-time World Cup winner Brazil was held to a goalless draw by Costa Rica in its opening Copa America Group D match here on Monday.

Marquinhos appeared to hand Brazil the lead in the 29th minute at SoFi Stadium when he tapped in at the far post after Raphinha’s free-kick from the left wing.

But the goal was overturned after a review by the video assistant referee found the Paris Saint-Germain defender was in an offside position.

Brazil dominated possession but was unable to break down a Costa Rica defense that often included 11 players behind the ball.

Lucas Paqueta went closest to breaking the deadlock in the second half when his long-range effort rebounded off the right post. Bruno Guimaraes and substitute Savinho were also left to rue missed chances in the final minutes.

“They sat back and it was very hard to find space, especially on such a small pitch,” Marquinhos said after the match.

“We did our best to win but we weren’t good enough. We have to be sincere with ourselves and look at what we can do better in our next game.”

Earlier, Daniel Munoz and Jefferson Lerma scored two first-half goals as Colombia clinched a 2-1 victory over Paraguay at NRG Stadium in Houston.

Source(s): Xinhua