Turkey goal scorer Burak Yilmaz said Tuesday's 2-0 win over Czech Republic went just as planned as they retained their hope of advancing to the knockout stage Euro 2016.
Following defeats in their first two games against Croatia and Spain, Turkey faced a must-win situation against the Czechs and came through as Yilmaz scored after 10 minutes and Ozan Tufan added a second after half-time.
"Today was our last chance," Yilmaz said. "It wasn't enough just to win, but to win by two clear goals. We were very aware of that. Actually, everything went just like we wanted.
"We hoped to score a goal early on so that our opponents would have to go forward, leaving space at the back so that we would have the chance to score a second. Luckily, the result went the way we wanted.
"We're very happy. Many things were written and said about us. We're the players, but we are not asked about our thoughts and feelings. People comment on us without knowing what's going on in the squad. But our thoughts and feelings went into the game today."
Turkey coach Fatih Terim stuck by Yilmaz despite the striker's two previous disappointing performances, and the act of faith paid off.
"He was our saviour tonight," Terim said. "He made his presence felt."
Before the win, Turkey faced slim odds to advance but now will secure their spot if they are not overtaken by the third-placed teams in both Groups E and F.
Turkey can move on if Hungary beat Portugal in Group F, or if both Sweden and Republic of Ireland lose in Group E. They could also advance if Sweden beat Belgium by four goals and Ireland fail to beat Italy.
Yilmaz liked Turkey's chances to keep playing in France.
"I congratulate all my teammates. We all fought very hard. I salute them all," Yilmaz said. Today people saw the Turkish national team they have been missing. About the first two games, we were lacking experience.
"It's my first tournament, just like many of my teammates. But now I think we're back in the competition. If everything goes as we hope, we'll qualify."