Turkey to face Holland to keep qualifying hopes alive

ISTANBUL - Anadolu Agency

“We now have a good chance of qualification and are hopeful,” says the 60-year-old experienced manager, Fatih Terim. AA photo

Turkey will play the Netherlands tonight in a 2014 World Cup qualifier following Turkey’s 2-0 away win in Estonia last week, to boost their hopes of reaching next year’s finals in Brazil via the playoffs. With Friday’s 2-0 win against Estonia, the first of the final two games in the qualifying stage for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, Turkey is just one giant hurdle away from finishing off the group stage in second place, which would give the team a last-ditch chance to continue in the play-offs.

Fatih Terim’s team moved to second place in Group D with 16 points, which virtually secures their place in the play-off stage, benefiting from Holland’s 8-1 demolition of Hungary.

Turkey has not beaten the Netherlands since 1998 and the last two head to head fixtures have ended in defeat for the Crescent-Stars.

Following Friday’s victory over Estonia, manager Terim spoke about Turkey’s chances of qualification.
“We now have a good chance of qualification and are hopeful,” said the 60-year-old experienced manager, who was recently sacked from his position at Turkish giant Galatasaray.

Both Turkey and Romania have the same points after nine games played in the group, however Turkey still are one step further in averages and thus rank second in the group behind Holland.

Now Turkey has turned their eyes to Holland, who are already guaranteed the leadership in the group.
The game that will ultimately determine Turkey’s World Cup fate is considered one of most difficult and high-stake challenges by the hosting group.

Tied for points but trailing on goal difference, Romania will play Estonia on Tuesday and Hungary, who trail by two points, will face-off against Andorra.