Last chance for success
TURKEY FACE SWITZERLAND TOMORROW FOR OPPORTUNITY TO ADVANCE
TURKEY, defeated 2-0 in Wednesday’s Euro 2020 Group A match against Wales, now have everything to play for as they face Switzerland in Baku for the final 16 places as Italy remain in Rome to face Wales.
After two wins from their opening two games against Turkey and Switzerland, Italy are through and will finish top of the group if they avoid defeat against Wales tomorrow.
Wales, who can still top the group with a win over Italy, will be confirmed in the top two with a draw or if Switzerland fail to beat Turkey.
Switzerland, who will be eliminated from the tournament if they lose to Turkey, can also finish in the top two if they win and Wales lose. The two teams would be level on points and will then be separated on goal difference.
Although Switzerland drew 11 with Wales, they found Italy too strong in a 3-0 Rome defeat.
Substitute Steven Zuber had their only shot on target against the impressive Italian team, who unsettled the Swiss with highpressing tactics.
Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic said: “We played against a strong team, they caused us a lot of problems and we weren’t 100 per cent.
“We were insecure on the pitch, which is normally not in our character. It’s disappointing.
“But I have already talked to the team and we have to look ahead, be positive and ready for our decisive match against Turkey to have the chance to make the last 16.”
The tempo of this match should be much more suitable, allowing the likes of Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka and Liverpool playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri to control proceedings.
The omens are good for Switzerland as they have progressed past the group stage at the last three major finals — two World Cups and Euro 2016.
Turkey were dominated by Italy on June 11, and even a vociferous support failed to inspire them to victory against Wales.
Midfielder Kaan Ayhan had a header cleared off the line while Wales’s goalkeeper Danny Ward denied Turkey’s centre-back Merih Demiral from a corner.
Midfielder Aaron Ramsey and defender Connor Roberts struck for Wales, who wasted numerous other chances, including a penalty miss by Welsh captain Gareth Bale.
Turkey cannot finish in the top two and must beat Switzerland to come third in the group. They could still qualify for the next round as one of the best third placed teams.
Turkey’s manager Şenol Güneş said: “Qualification was a dream for us but it is difficult now. We just lost the ball on too many occasions and could not develop a clear attacking strategy.
“I tried to put the best players on the pitch and I know this team can play much better than this.
“But the rival was much more balanced and tried to control us.”
Turkey will again be cheered on by a large contingent of fans in what is almost like a home game for them and must adopt a positive approach to succeed.