Cech admits his late blunder is the reason the Czechs are out of Euro 2008

Turkey came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 with an 89th-minute goal from captain Kahveci Nihat and snatch a quarter-final place.

Down and out: Petr Cech after his country crashed out of Euro 2008

It averted the possibility of a unique penalty shoot-out which would have been required if level at full time.

Turkey — who go through with Luiz Felipe Scolari's Group A winners Portugal — finished with 10 men and Middlesbrough striker Tuncay in goal after their No1 Volkan Demirel was sent off.

He was dismissed by Swedish referee Peter Frojdfeldt for pushing over giant striker Jan Koller in a late skirmish.

Cech was on his knees after he dropped a cross at the feet of Villarreal striker Nihat, who slid it into the unguarded net for 2-2.

Cech admitted: 'I know the mistake I made for their second goal is the reason we are going home.

'That incident for me sums up my whole season. When you make a mistake you have to admit it.'

Having been pipped by Manchester United for the domestic and European titles, he added: 'The only positive thing about this season is that it's over. It was unbelievable, just bad luck after bad luck.'

Portugal won the group on goal difference, despite losing 2-0 to hosts Switzerland in Scolari's first game since being confirmed as Chelsea manager.

That result means the Czechs finished bottom of the group — with Scolari wondering what sort of goalkeeper he is inheriting.