Turkey Euro 2008 Online Streams and TV Schedules
Turkey at Euro 2008
Terim’s boys back in the big time
After reaching the semi-finals of World Cup 2002, Turkey found it hard to live up to expectations. They failed to qualify for Euro2004 and the 2006 World Cup, which hinted that their World Cup success may have been a false dawn. Turkey are certainly a decent side with useful players like Yildiray Basturk, Emre Belozoglu, and Halil Altintop, but they lack the energy that the team of six years ago had. Coach Fatih Terim has finally turned the screw and got his country back into an international tournament, yet getting past a group containing Portugal, Czech Republic, and hosts Switzerland is a tough task. Terim was also coach of the Turkish national team that reached Euro1996, only to then lose all their group matches. To avoid the same fate, Terim will have to get his team to play consistently, something which he failed to do during qualifying.
How Turkey qualified
Finished second behind reigning European Champions Greece. Turkey’s capriciousness, however, was evident when they crushed Moldova and Malta at home, but drew both minnows away. However, in a do-or-die game against Norway, Turkey held their nerve to run out 2-1 winners and qualify for Euro2008.
How Turkey play
Turkey play either a 4-5-1 or a 4-4-2 system. Hakan Sukur has been used as a lone target man, but Terim also dropped him for the crucial game against Norway and reverted to a 4-4-2. Nihat Kahveci’s recent form for Villarreal may urge Terim to play him up front, either alongside Sukur or Halil Altintop. Emre Belozoglu and Tuncay Sanli are the notable midfield operators.
About the coach
Hugely respected in Turkey, Terim has had stints coaching Galatasaray, Fiorentina and Milan. He expects discipline from his players and is not afraid to drop even a Turkish icon like Sukur. Terim’s teams are traditionally ambitious in attack, and his current Turkey side can play slick football on their day.
Key players
Yildiray Basturk- The Stuttgart midfielder is an essential player for Terim’s side. Basturk is a diminutive player, but he makes up for his lack in size with his quick feet and precise passing.
Hakan Sukur- Captain Sukur’s performances have been inconsistent of late. He is almost an institution for Turkish football, but he has done little in the last year to justify his reputation. Terim will still bank on the veteran, if not for his ability then for his priceless experience. He still has the hunger for scoring goals.
Star player
Tuncay Sanli- Quick, skillful, and he can score goals. Sanli is Turkey’s versatile weapon in midfield and attack. He can play either on the right or left side of midfield and even as a forward. Sanli currently plays for Middlesbrough.
Verdict
Turkey will struggle to make an impact this summer. Portugal, Czech Republic and even Switzerland should have too much for Terim’s side. A first-round exit looks likely.
Article by Hasan Saiyid
Turkey Euro 2008 News
