Just when you thought you'd seen it all with Turkey, you saw...well, you didn't see much in the second half thanks to some ill-timed lightning at the International Broadcast Center in Vienna. Unfortunately the broadcast of a thrilling 3-2 win by Germany over a relentless Turkish side was marred by technical difficulties. Before you jump all over ESPN, keep in mind that viewers worldwide experienced the same issues with only the domestic Swiss feed and, inexplicably, the Al-Jazeera broadcast reaching viewers uninterrupted.
As for the game, I owe an apology to the Turks. I figured with a depleted squad they'd try and play the Germans to a scoreless draw. But they never deviated from the entertaining, attacking style that made them the darlings of the tournament. That attacking style also was their undoing tonight. After both Turkish goals, Germany responded within five minutes, including Philip Lahm's rocket winner in the 90th minute, four minutes after Semih Senturk had leveled the game at 2-2.
The game winner was vindication for Lahm, who was beaten badly on the wing much of the night. Lahm also should have earned a penalty kick early in the second half on a clear Turkish foul. Jens Lehmann was iffy in goal for Germany, but somehow the Germans have given up two goals each of their two knockout round games and are still through to the Final. Credit their dynamic offensive for outscoring their shaky defense.
So the dream ends for Turkey, but they earned plenty of fans along the way. Their last three games were as thrilling as any trio you'll see in a major tournament. Unfortunately for them, they were on the wrong end of the scoreline in their final game. For Germany, it's on to Sunday's final against either Spain or Russia.
Showing posts with label Turkey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Turkey. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008: Germany-Turkey Preview
Turkey faces Germany in the first semifinal from Basel. While Turkey's Cinderella run has been highlighted by some of the greatest finishes in tournament history, a combination of injuries and yellow cards have sapped the squad. We're now left with a Saturday-after-Thanksgiving Turkey; the kind that's not only been served for dinner, but was used the next day for sandwiches, and now just has a few pieces of meat clinging to the carcass. Get the picture?
So with no Arda Turan, no Nihat Kahveci, no Emre Asik and no Volkan Demirel, how are the Turks suppose to pull this off? Their best option may be to play for a 0-0 and take the match to shootout. But history shows you don't want a piece of the Germans in a shootout. So if Turkey wins, it will be their biggest miracle to date.
Germany has gone from tournament favorites to looking vulnerable to back to favorites. Their convincing 3-2 win over Portugal erased any doubts from their mediocre showing in the group stages. Offensively, Germany has been the tournament's most diverse team, with Michael Ballack, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose all making major contributions.
The venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN, 2:45 pm ET
The prediction: Turkey will have to take a grind-it-out approach, but Germany have shown an ability to overcome the likes of Poland and Austria who employed a similar strategy. The Germans get a 1-0 win to advance to the Final.
So with no Arda Turan, no Nihat Kahveci, no Emre Asik and no Volkan Demirel, how are the Turks suppose to pull this off? Their best option may be to play for a 0-0 and take the match to shootout. But history shows you don't want a piece of the Germans in a shootout. So if Turkey wins, it will be their biggest miracle to date.
Germany has gone from tournament favorites to looking vulnerable to back to favorites. Their convincing 3-2 win over Portugal erased any doubts from their mediocre showing in the group stages. Offensively, Germany has been the tournament's most diverse team, with Michael Ballack, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose all making major contributions.
The venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN, 2:45 pm ET
The prediction: Turkey will have to take a grind-it-out approach, but Germany have shown an ability to overcome the likes of Poland and Austria who employed a similar strategy. The Germans get a 1-0 win to advance to the Final.
UEFA Euro 2008: A Funny Thing About The Turks
Under the category of "You learn something new everyday," the largest ethnic minority in Germany is, you guessed it, Turks. Three percent of the German population has Turkish origins, which should make for some interesting scenes back in Deutschland tomorrow night.
Friday, June 20, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008: Turkey-Croatia Recap
Greatest. Euros. Ever. A tournament that was already earning praise as one of the best ever added another classic chapter today as Turkey advanced to the semifinals with a 3-1 shootout win over Croatia following a 1-1 draw. Turkey tied the game on the last kick of extra time just moments after the Croats had taken the lead.
There was no lack of chances through the first 118 minutes, but only in the dying minutes of extra time did the game come to life. A misadventure by Turkish goalkeeper Rustu Recber allowed Ivan Klasnic to head home the apparent winner in the 119th minute. The veteran Recber, staring in the place of the suspended Volkan Demirel, made a fantastic leaping save in the final moments of regulation off a Darijo Srna free kick to keep the game scoreless, but was destined to be the goat in extra time.
Seconds before the final whistle, Recber sent a desperate ball downfield that landed at the foot Semih Senturk. Beating two Croat defenders to the ball, Senturk blasted the equalizer on the final play of extra time.
The shootout was a fait accompli, with Luka Modric the first of three Croats to miss. When Recber saved Mladen Petric's shot to clinch the match, his transformation from villain to hero was complete in just over 10 minutes.
Kudos to Croatia coach Slaven Bilic who was gracious in defeat. Bilic immediately complained to the fourth official following the equalizer, insisting that the one added minute had elapsed. I was concerned Bilic would lapse into a blame the officials post-game rant, but he was nothing but classy.
For Turkey it's on to the semifinals against Germany on Wednesday in Basel. With Arda Turan among those picking up a yellow card suspension and Nihat Kahveci adding to the Turkish injury woes, the Turks will barely be able to field a full squad. But who would dare bet against Turkey at this point?
There was no lack of chances through the first 118 minutes, but only in the dying minutes of extra time did the game come to life. A misadventure by Turkish goalkeeper Rustu Recber allowed Ivan Klasnic to head home the apparent winner in the 119th minute. The veteran Recber, staring in the place of the suspended Volkan Demirel, made a fantastic leaping save in the final moments of regulation off a Darijo Srna free kick to keep the game scoreless, but was destined to be the goat in extra time.
Seconds before the final whistle, Recber sent a desperate ball downfield that landed at the foot Semih Senturk. Beating two Croat defenders to the ball, Senturk blasted the equalizer on the final play of extra time.
The shootout was a fait accompli, with Luka Modric the first of three Croats to miss. When Recber saved Mladen Petric's shot to clinch the match, his transformation from villain to hero was complete in just over 10 minutes.
Kudos to Croatia coach Slaven Bilic who was gracious in defeat. Bilic immediately complained to the fourth official following the equalizer, insisting that the one added minute had elapsed. I was concerned Bilic would lapse into a blame the officials post-game rant, but he was nothing but classy.
For Turkey it's on to the semifinals against Germany on Wednesday in Basel. With Arda Turan among those picking up a yellow card suspension and Nihat Kahveci adding to the Turkish injury woes, the Turks will barely be able to field a full squad. But who would dare bet against Turkey at this point?
Thursday, June 19, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008: Croatia-Turkey Preview
Raise your hand if you saw this match-up coming. That's what I thought. The tournament's comeback kids, Turkey, face the surprise winners of Group B, Croatia, in Vienna for the right to meet Germany. There were only three come-from-behind victories in the group stages and Turkey was responsible for two of them, including their 3-2 win over the Czech Republic to clinch a quarterfinal spot. But injuries and suspensions are beginning to catch up with the Turks. Goalkeeper Volkan Demirel picked up a stoppage time red card Sunday and will miss the game. The injury list includes captain Emre Belozoglu, leaving Turkey with only 17 players. Look for Turkey to play an up-tempo style, led by Nihat Kahveci, who scored the final two goals against the Czechs.
A well-rested Croatia side have scored four goals from four different players, although striker Igor Budan has been lost with a knee injury. Coach Slaven Bilic's men have played sound defense, with two clean sheets in three games, defense that will be tested by a relentless Turkish attack.
The venue: Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna, Austria
The broadcast: ESPN, 2:45 pm ET
The prediction: They won't be lacking in confidence, but the depletion of Turkey's ranks may be too much to overcome. Croatia will face Germany once again after a 2-1 win.
A well-rested Croatia side have scored four goals from four different players, although striker Igor Budan has been lost with a knee injury. Coach Slaven Bilic's men have played sound defense, with two clean sheets in three games, defense that will be tested by a relentless Turkish attack.
The venue: Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna, Austria
The broadcast: ESPN, 2:45 pm ET
The prediction: They won't be lacking in confidence, but the depletion of Turkey's ranks may be too much to overcome. Croatia will face Germany once again after a 2-1 win.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008: Day 9 Recap
Turkey 3, Czech Republic 2
Switzerland 2, Portugal 0
In a tournament that is quickly becoming a classic, it will be tough to top Turkey-Czech Republic for the best match at Euro 2008. Trailing 2-0 with 15 minutes to play, the Turks seized second place in Group A with three goals in the final quarter hour. The Czechs had built a comfortable lead on goals by Jan Koller in the 32nd minute and Jaroslav Plasil in the 62nd. Arda Turan's 75th minute tally cut the lead in half to set up the frenzied finish.
More stunning than Turkey drawing level was the manner in which they got the goal. Usually reliable goalie Petr Cech dropped Hamit Altintop's 87th minute cross and Nihat Kahveci was there to tap home the stunning equalizer. Just as the crowd was preparing for a historic shootout, Nihat finished up a well-timed run to blast home the 89th minute winner.
There was one final bit of mayhem, one that will hamper Turkey in Friday's quarterfinal. Volkan Demirel earned a stoppage time red card for shoving K oller. Having used up their three subs, Turkey were forced to finish up with a defender in net, comically wearing Volkan's jersey inside-out. Although the Czechs didn't threaten after that, Turkey lose their starting goalkeeper for their next match against Croatia. For the Czechs, it marks the second-straight major tournament where they opened with a win, and then bowed out with two straight losses.
At the same time, Switzerland capped a frustrating nine days on a positive note with a 2-0 win over Portugal. A pair of second half goals by Hakan Yakin led the co-hosts to victory over a Portuguese side resting several top players. With Cristiano Ronaldo, Nuno Gomes, Deco and Ricardo Carvalho all taking the evening off, Portugal will have an advantage for Thursday's quarterfinal, likely against Germany.
Switzerland 2, Portugal 0
In a tournament that is quickly becoming a classic, it will be tough to top Turkey-Czech Republic for the best match at Euro 2008. Trailing 2-0 with 15 minutes to play, the Turks seized second place in Group A with three goals in the final quarter hour. The Czechs had built a comfortable lead on goals by Jan Koller in the 32nd minute and Jaroslav Plasil in the 62nd. Arda Turan's 75th minute tally cut the lead in half to set up the frenzied finish.
More stunning than Turkey drawing level was the manner in which they got the goal. Usually reliable goalie Petr Cech dropped Hamit Altintop's 87th minute cross and Nihat Kahveci was there to tap home the stunning equalizer. Just as the crowd was preparing for a historic shootout, Nihat finished up a well-timed run to blast home the 89th minute winner.
There was one final bit of mayhem, one that will hamper Turkey in Friday's quarterfinal. Volkan Demirel earned a stoppage time red card for shoving K oller. Having used up their three subs, Turkey were forced to finish up with a defender in net, comically wearing Volkan's jersey inside-out. Although the Czechs didn't threaten after that, Turkey lose their starting goalkeeper for their next match against Croatia. For the Czechs, it marks the second-straight major tournament where they opened with a win, and then bowed out with two straight losses.
At the same time, Switzerland capped a frustrating nine days on a positive note with a 2-0 win over Portugal. A pair of second half goals by Hakan Yakin led the co-hosts to victory over a Portuguese side resting several top players. With Cristiano Ronaldo, Nuno Gomes, Deco and Ricardo Carvalho all taking the evening off, Portugal will have an advantage for Thursday's quarterfinal, likely against Germany.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008: Day 9 Previews
We move to the chaos of simultaneous kickoffs for the last round of group stage matches. But in Group A, the focus will be solely on the match in Geneva, where the Czech Republic and Turkey meet for second place and a quarterfinal match against Croatia. Having already locked up the group, Portugal will face a Swiss team playing for pride.
Czech Republic vs. Turkey
The venue: Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN2, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Turkey's last-gasp winner against Switzerland set them up to face the Czechs for a quarterfinal berth. Thanks to a new rule, if this game ends in a draw, the teams will immediately head to a shootout. Otherwise it's winner-take-all.
The prediction: The advantage of experience comes into play in high-pressure matches, and that advantage goes to the Czechs. Petr Cech keeps the Turks off the board and sends his side through with a 1-0 win.
Portugal vs. Switzerland
The venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN Classic, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Portugal are fortunate to have already wrapped up the group, since all the talk around the camp this week has been about Coach Scolari's move to Chelsea. The Portuguese have gone into full lockdown mode at their team headquarters. A heartbreaking stoppage time goal against Turkey ended Switzerland's hopes of advancing to the quarters.
The prediction: Portugal have nothing to play for, but the Swiss would love to give the home fans a thrill before leaving the tournament. The more-motivated co-hosts earn a 2-1 win.
Czech Republic vs. Turkey
The venue: Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN2, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Turkey's last-gasp winner against Switzerland set them up to face the Czechs for a quarterfinal berth. Thanks to a new rule, if this game ends in a draw, the teams will immediately head to a shootout. Otherwise it's winner-take-all.
The prediction: The advantage of experience comes into play in high-pressure matches, and that advantage goes to the Czechs. Petr Cech keeps the Turks off the board and sends his side through with a 1-0 win.
Portugal vs. Switzerland
The venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN Classic, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Portugal are fortunate to have already wrapped up the group, since all the talk around the camp this week has been about Coach Scolari's move to Chelsea. The Portuguese have gone into full lockdown mode at their team headquarters. A heartbreaking stoppage time goal against Turkey ended Switzerland's hopes of advancing to the quarters.
The prediction: Portugal have nothing to play for, but the Swiss would love to give the home fans a thrill before leaving the tournament. The more-motivated co-hosts earn a 2-1 win.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008: Day 5 Recap
Portugal 3, Czech Republic 1
Turkey 2, Switzerland 1
Group A cleared up nicely today with Portugal clinching the top spot while Turkey set up a winner-take-all game against the Czech Republic for second place. Meanwhile co-hosts Switzerland became the first squad eliminated from the tournament.
A lively game in Geneva saw Portugal take a 3-1 result against the Czechs. Deco opened the scoring in the eighth minute, finishing up a broken play for the early lead. Nine minutes later, Libor Sionko brought the Czechs level on a well-timed header off a corner kick. In the second half, Cristiano Ronaldo took over, putting his side ahead in the 63rd minute and then setting up Ricardo Quaresma in extra time for the put-away goal. The result gives the Portugese six points atop the group. Based on the result the day's second game, they are assured of the top spot and will player the Group B runner-up in next Thursday's quarterfinal.
In the second game Turkey became the first team in the tournament to earn a come-from-behind victory as they rallied from a 1-0 halftime deficit to post a 2-1 win. Hakan Yakin put Switzerland ahead 32 minutes in on a comical play in which the ball came to a complete stop on the rain-soaked turf just in front of the net. But Kobi Kuhn's men could not hold the lead. Semih Senturk evened the match in the 57th minute and Arda Turan finished a counter-attack in extra time to give his side a vital three points.
With Portugal safely through, their game Sunday against Switzerland is meaningless, other than providing the Swiss one last chance to delight the home crowds. With Turkey and the Czechs level on points and goal differential, the winner of their match will take second, with a shootout to decide matters if the game ends in a draw.
Turkey 2, Switzerland 1
Group A cleared up nicely today with Portugal clinching the top spot while Turkey set up a winner-take-all game against the Czech Republic for second place. Meanwhile co-hosts Switzerland became the first squad eliminated from the tournament.
A lively game in Geneva saw Portugal take a 3-1 result against the Czechs. Deco opened the scoring in the eighth minute, finishing up a broken play for the early lead. Nine minutes later, Libor Sionko brought the Czechs level on a well-timed header off a corner kick. In the second half, Cristiano Ronaldo took over, putting his side ahead in the 63rd minute and then setting up Ricardo Quaresma in extra time for the put-away goal. The result gives the Portugese six points atop the group. Based on the result the day's second game, they are assured of the top spot and will player the Group B runner-up in next Thursday's quarterfinal.
In the second game Turkey became the first team in the tournament to earn a come-from-behind victory as they rallied from a 1-0 halftime deficit to post a 2-1 win. Hakan Yakin put Switzerland ahead 32 minutes in on a comical play in which the ball came to a complete stop on the rain-soaked turf just in front of the net. But Kobi Kuhn's men could not hold the lead. Semih Senturk evened the match in the 57th minute and Arda Turan finished a counter-attack in extra time to give his side a vital three points.
With Portugal safely through, their game Sunday against Switzerland is meaningless, other than providing the Swiss one last chance to delight the home crowds. With Turkey and the Czechs level on points and goal differential, the winner of their match will take second, with a shootout to decide matters if the game ends in a draw.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008: Day 5 Previews
We move to the second round of group play games. Group A's two opening day winners, the Czech Republic and Portugal, meet in the early game, while the two losers, Switzerland and Turkey, will look to avoid elimination in the nightcap.
Czech Republic vs. Portugal
The venue: Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN2, 12:00 pm ET
The storyline: Both teams enter the game 1-0-0, but the Portuguese look far more likely to win Group A following a solid 2-0 win over Turkey. Czech goalie Petr Cech knows Cristiano Ronaldo quite well from their Premier League clashes and he'll need every bit of that knowledge to keep his side on level terms.
The prediction: The Czechs were fortunate take all three points from their opener. They won't be as fortunate this time as Portugal wins 2-1.
Switzerland vs. Turkey
The venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN2, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: There's some recent ugly history between these two sides. In November 2005, the Swiss defeated Turkey in a two-legged playoff for a 2006 World Cup berth, setting off scenes of mayhem in Istanbul on and off the pitch. Both sides have downplayed the impact the incident will have on Wednesday's game.
The prediction: The Swiss were the more attractive of these two sides in their openers, but the loss of Alexander Frei significantly hampers their offensive abilities. But with the backing of the home crowd, they should have enough to eke out a 1-0 win.
Czech Republic vs. Portugal
The venue: Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN2, 12:00 pm ET
The storyline: Both teams enter the game 1-0-0, but the Portuguese look far more likely to win Group A following a solid 2-0 win over Turkey. Czech goalie Petr Cech knows Cristiano Ronaldo quite well from their Premier League clashes and he'll need every bit of that knowledge to keep his side on level terms.
The prediction: The Czechs were fortunate take all three points from their opener. They won't be as fortunate this time as Portugal wins 2-1.
Switzerland vs. Turkey
The venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN2, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: There's some recent ugly history between these two sides. In November 2005, the Swiss defeated Turkey in a two-legged playoff for a 2006 World Cup berth, setting off scenes of mayhem in Istanbul on and off the pitch. Both sides have downplayed the impact the incident will have on Wednesday's game.
The prediction: The Swiss were the more attractive of these two sides in their openers, but the loss of Alexander Frei significantly hampers their offensive abilities. But with the backing of the home crowd, they should have enough to eke out a 1-0 win.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008: Day 1 Recap
Czech Republic 1, Switzerland 0
Portugal 2, Turkey 0
Euro 2008 got underway and the start couldn't have gone much worse for the co-hosts Switzerland. The Swiss fell 1-0 to the Czech Republic in a game dominated by the home side. Despite outshooting their opponents 11-2, Switzerland got burned in the 70th minute when Vaclav Sverkos beat an offside trap to slot home the only goal of the game. More devastating than the defeat was the loss of team captain and leading scorer Alexander Frei, who was taken off with an injury late in the first half. After tearing a knee ligament, Frei's tournament is finished.
In the second game, Portugal flashed style and skill in a convincing 2-0 win over Turkey. The Portuguese could have easily put the game away in the first half; they had one goal disallowed on a close but correct offsides call and Cristiano Ronaldo was denied by a fingertip save by Turkish goalkeeper Volkan Demirel. In the second half, a sharp give and go sprung Pepe loose for the first goal in the 61st minute and substitute Raul Meireles clinched the win in the 90th minute.
Portugal will face the Czechs Wednesday with the winner seizing control of Group A. Switzerland's game against Turkey becomes an elimination game, with the loser effectively out of the tournament.
Portugal 2, Turkey 0
Euro 2008 got underway and the start couldn't have gone much worse for the co-hosts Switzerland. The Swiss fell 1-0 to the Czech Republic in a game dominated by the home side. Despite outshooting their opponents 11-2, Switzerland got burned in the 70th minute when Vaclav Sverkos beat an offside trap to slot home the only goal of the game. More devastating than the defeat was the loss of team captain and leading scorer Alexander Frei, who was taken off with an injury late in the first half. After tearing a knee ligament, Frei's tournament is finished.
In the second game, Portugal flashed style and skill in a convincing 2-0 win over Turkey. The Portuguese could have easily put the game away in the first half; they had one goal disallowed on a close but correct offsides call and Cristiano Ronaldo was denied by a fingertip save by Turkish goalkeeper Volkan Demirel. In the second half, a sharp give and go sprung Pepe loose for the first goal in the 61st minute and substitute Raul Meireles clinched the win in the 90th minute.
Portugal will face the Czechs Wednesday with the winner seizing control of Group A. Switzerland's game against Turkey becomes an elimination game, with the loser effectively out of the tournament.
Friday, June 6, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008: Day 1 Previews
Euro 2008 kicks off tomorrow with a pair of games from Group A. It's Switzerland versus the Czech Republic in the tournament opener and Portugal-Turkey in Game Two.
Czech Republic vs. Switzerland
The venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN Classic, 12:00 pm ET
The storyline: Czech experience versus Swiss youth. With these two sides expected to battle for second behind Portugal, a good start to the tournament is crucial.
The prediction: The home crowd inspires the Swiss, but the Czechs force a 1-1 draw.
Portugal vs. Turkey
The venue: Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN Classic, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Is Cristiano Ronaldo ready to put his stamp on this tournament and continue a magical year? Or will the constant swirl of Real Madrid rumors be the distraction that gives Turkey an opening for an upset.
The prediction: Portugal are one of the few teams coming into this tournament without injury concerns. They get off to a good start with a 2-0 win.
Czech Republic vs. Switzerland
The venue: St. Jakob Park, Basel, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN Classic, 12:00 pm ET
The storyline: Czech experience versus Swiss youth. With these two sides expected to battle for second behind Portugal, a good start to the tournament is crucial.
The prediction: The home crowd inspires the Swiss, but the Czechs force a 1-1 draw.
Portugal vs. Turkey
The venue: Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland
The broadcast: ESPN Classic, 2:45 pm ET
The storyline: Is Cristiano Ronaldo ready to put his stamp on this tournament and continue a magical year? Or will the constant swirl of Real Madrid rumors be the distraction that gives Turkey an opening for an upset.
The prediction: Portugal are one of the few teams coming into this tournament without injury concerns. They get off to a good start with a 2-0 win.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
UEFA Euro 2008: Turkey Team Preview
The squad: Turkey have failed to rediscover the form that lead to a third-place finish at the 2002 World Cup. Their failed 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign ended in a brawl with Switzerland, making their June 11 rematch one of the opening round's more intriguing matches.
The players: The Turks will be looking to striker Nihat Kahveci to replicate the scoring touch he showed this season with Villareal, where he led the La Liga runners-up with 18 goals. Goaltender Volkan Demirel takes over for veteran Rustu Recber after leading Fenerbahce to the Champions League quarterfinals.
The schedule: vs. Portugal (6/7); vs. Switzerland (6/11); vs. Czech Republic (6/15)
The prediction: Longshots to advance out of Group A, the Turks are likely to be three and done.
The players: The Turks will be looking to striker Nihat Kahveci to replicate the scoring touch he showed this season with Villareal, where he led the La Liga runners-up with 18 goals. Goaltender Volkan Demirel takes over for veteran Rustu Recber after leading Fenerbahce to the Champions League quarterfinals.
The schedule: vs. Portugal (6/7); vs. Switzerland (6/11); vs. Czech Republic (6/15)
The prediction: Longshots to advance out of Group A, the Turks are likely to be three and done.
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