Georgia stun Portugal, Türkiye overpower Czech

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, reported Xinhua.

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).

Meanwhile, Belgium advanced into the round of last 16 despite a goalless draw with eliminated Ukraine, while Romania and third-placed Slovakia progressed after a 1-1 draw in the last round of group play on Wednesday.

The Red Devils were on the front foot and produced the first opportunity of the clash in the seventh minute when Kevin De Bruyne danced through Ukraine's defense before feeding Romelu Lukaku, who couldn't beat goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin from a promising position.

Ukraine grew into the game and chanced its luck with long-range efforts as Roman Yaremchuk and Artem Dovbyk tested custodian Koen Casteels.

Belgium nearly marked the opener at the half hour, but De Bruyne's free kick rattled only the side netting.

After the restart, chances remained a rare occurrence as Belgium dominated possession but lacked in ideas whereas Ukraine missed the finishing touch.

Lukaku unleashed a weak shot on target while Ukraine pressed for the winner, which would lift them into the last 16, as Ruslan Malinovskyi's direct corner attempt almost caught Casteels flat-footed before Georgiy Sudakov couldn't finish his solo run.

"We knew today that we couldn't fail. We can score earlier, we can score more, then many things are easier. I'm proud of my team because they did well at the end. If you concede one goal, you are out," said Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco.

"Unfortunately, we did not qualify because of the first game, which we lost to Romania. I'm grateful for how the players responded against Slovakia. We showed that we were trying to win this game, and there were enough good moments," said Ukraine coach Serhiy Rebrov.

In the other Group E clash, Slovakia and Romania played out a 1-1 stalemate as Razvan Marin canceled out Ondrej Duda's opener.

With the results, Romania advanced as group winners, followed by Belgium, Slovakia and Ukraine (all with four points).