Cech prepared for possible shoot-out

CZECH Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech has had some recent practice if tomorrow’s Group A decider (7.45pm) against Turkey finishes in a penalty shoot-out.

The new regulation will be used if there are two teams playing each other in the final group game and a third country is not involved. UEFA have stated spot-kicks will be taken after 90 minutes if they are level on points, goal difference and goals scored — meaning tomorrow’s match could be the first time a shoot-out has featured at the group stage of a major tournament.

Cech could only stop one spot-kick as Chelsea lost the Champions League final to Manchester United in a penalty shoot-out last month. Now, the Czechs and Turks play in Geneva for a quarter-final berth with the same points and goal difference, meaning it will end in spot-kicks if they draw.