Turkey have twice previously progressed past the group stage at the European Championship, in tournaments hosted by countries with significant migrant communities, and it was no surprise they did it again in Germany on Wednesday.

There are almost 3 million people with Turkish roots in Germany, following a wave of migration that began in the 1960s.

There are also large Turkish communities in Belgium and the Netherlands, which was a factor in their progress to the last eight in 2000, and in Austria and Switzerland, where they got to the semi-finals at Euro 2008.

On Wednesday, the decibel levels created by the overwhelming number of Turkish fans in the Volksparkstadion had much to do with their side securing a last-16 place as they battled to stay ahead against the Czechia and won 2-1.

Without the deafening support, Turkey might have buckled under the late pressure from a desperate Czech side seeking to salvage their tournament. The Hamburg crowd would not let them, however, barracking the Czechs’ every touch and raising the roof when Turkey were in possession and on the attack.

Besides crowd support, Turkey captain Hakan Calhanoglu also played a key role in their win. Coach Vincenzo Montella was all praise for Calhanoglu, who put Turkey ahead in the 50th minute with a venomous shot fired into the far corner of the net using the outside of his boot.

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.

“And sending the ball to the far corner using the outside of your foot, he’s an extraordinary player. And he’s an extraordinary man.”

But there’s a twist in the tale. 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.

He is set to miss the round of 16 match with Austria.

“These 18 bookings show how intense the match was,” said Montella.

“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.”

Challenge ahead

Montella described next opponents Austria as like a club side — physical, fluid and well organised — but said he preferred to focus on what
his young players had achieved under the weight of what he called huge and unfair pressure.

“This qualification will allow us to be a little more relaxed, to feel less pressure, to be less emotional,” he said.

“We just want to celebrate and enjoy this victory (over Czechia) because we deserved it ... starting tomorrow (Thursday), we want to keep on making history. That’s for sure.”