When Czech top dog Karel Bruckner said before the tournament that Group A would go to wire, I don t think he expected his Czech Republic side to be taking part in a penalty shoot-out before the knock-out stages.
There s no favourites, no outsiders, all four have a chance of going through, said Bruckner. They say Portugal have a very good quality squad, but Turkey are very good, as they have many qualities, and I don t want to underestimate Switzerland, because they are playing at home. I think it will remain undecided until the last match.
The wily old Bruckner was certainly right though as qualification will go to the last match a winner-takes-all clash between the Czechs and Turkey, but if their game is drawn penalties will ensue.
Portugal have already won Group A but if a draw is …