After winning at home against Kazakhstan with a last gasp free kick by ace Arda Turan, they now travel to Austria for their second qualifier in four days. Austria were ripped 6-2 away in Germany(already qualified), and will look to bounce back strong at home.
The last time there two sides faced off, Turkey were victorious at home with the score of 2-0. The last time they faced in Austria was a 2009 friendly with Turkey prevailing with a convincing 4-2 victory. This time, it will not be so easy.
My prediction is simply that it could go either way. At home, Austria should have beaten Germany but lost 2-1 with a goal by Mario Gomez crushing the hopes of the home side. Austria have home field advantage and this will make it tough for the Turks to get all three points.
Turkey have better individual players, a more efficient attacking style, and an intelligent coach in Guus Hiddink. The problem with the moon-stars is simply that they like to leave it late and have trouble finishing in front of goal.
They missed a pk and somehow was unable to convert a 1 v 1 opportunity. They still won the game and grabbed all three points, but they need to do better in Austria against a team who was able to put two past Germany away from home.
This will be a battle of two teams who are both playing for second place. Germany have already guaranteed leadership in this group with two games still left to play. The good news for Turkey is that after this fixture, they host both Germany and Azerbaijan in October. If they finish strong in Austria, they can wrap it all up in Turkey.
Austria will come out strong at home and Turkey will have to rely on their few individual stars to lead them past the home side by bringing everyone together and putting on a team performance. If Turkey can create a few clear cut chances and capitalize, they will prevail. It will not be a blow out for either side but the score could be 2-1, 1-0, or 3-1 for either side.
It will be a very exciting game and if Turkey wins, Austria will most likely be out of the play-off race. For those that watch, please enjoy the action as it promises to be an exciting yet blood pumping match.
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