Turkey takes on Argentina with Olympic spot at stake

ANKARA - Hürriyet Daily News

Veteran center Nevriye Yılmaz (L) is one of Turkey’s key players to face Argentina. AA photo

The Turkish national women’s basketball team seeks a victory over Argentina in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament today, hoping to win the Olympic berth.

If Turkey can get a victory in the quarterfinals, it will win a berth in next month’s Summer Olympic Games in London.

Turkey will still have a chance even if it loses, since there will be another round between four quarterfinal losers to decide the fifth team to win the ticket to London.

After winning both of its matches in the group stage, Turkey advanced to the quarterfinals, where it will meet Argentina.

Argentina won one game and lost one to finish its group as runner-up behind Czech Republic to set up a meeting with Turkey.

Despite the high expectations, Turkey coach Ceyhun Yıldızoğlu said the job is not done.

“We still have one game to go, and it will not be an easy game,” Yıldızoğlu told Anatolia news agency. “We have played against Argentina this month and know how they are playing. I hope we win this.”

Last month, the Turkish national women’s volleyball team became the first Turkish team to qualify for the Olympics in 52 years. Now the basketball team is just one win away from joining their compatriots on their way to London.

“I don’t want to disrespect anyone, but it looks like women’s teams are outclassing men’s teams in Turkey,” a half-joking veteran center Nevriye Yılmaz said to NTV Spor on June 27.