Türkiye are on the cusp of securing their spot within the UEFA 2024 European Championship (Euro 2024) as they set their sights on Sunday’s conflict in opposition to Latvia, following a powerful 1-0 victory over Croatia within the Euro 2023 qualifiers.
The Crescent-Stars took a major step towards qualifying for subsequent 12 months’s showdown in Germany with this exceptional win away in Osijek.
Fresh off securing the co-hosting rights for the 2032 Euros alongside Italy, Türkiye launched into their journey to safe qualification for the upcoming showdown, leaving no stone unturned and decided to make a powerful assertion.
After enduring a collection of latest disappointments, the Turkish nationwide crew, now beneath the steering of their new head coach, Vincenzo Montella, triumphantly secured their first victory throughout this historic encounter.
In a sport that showcased a number of vital firsts, Barış Alper Yılmaz scribed his title into Turkish soccer historical past by scoring the profitable purpose, celebrating his first purpose for the nationwide crew in his eighth look.
This victory not solely propelled Türkiye to the highest of Group D with 13 factors from six video games, three factors forward of Croatia, who’ve performed one match fewer, but additionally handed Croatia their first house loss in European qualifiers.
The Turkish nationwide crew’s achievement was underscored by the truth that they received their first nationwide match at Croatia’s latest and most fashionable stadium, Opus Arena.
Moreover, it marked the primary time in historical past that Türkiye defeated Croatia away from house.
Previously, the nationwide crew had performed three matches in Zagreb, all of which resulted in attracts.
The profitable purpose got here within the thirtieth minute when Barış Alper Yılmaz seized a via ball from Salih Özcan and executed a superb lob over Dominik Livakovic, who had ventured far out of his field, leaving the Croatian goalkeeper stranded.
This spectacular victory locations Türkiye on the summit of Group D, with 13 factors, whereas Croatia, with one match left, occupies the second place with 10 factors.
Armenia and Wales, every with 7 factors and one match to play, are within the third and fourth locations, respectively.
Meanwhile, after securing their first win by defeating Armenia 2-0 at house, Latvia stay on the backside of the group with 3 factors.
Türkiye now has two extra essential matches within the group, with the upcoming Sunday conflict in opposition to Latvia being significantly vital.
Should the Crescent-Stars safe victory in Konya, they are going to punch their ticket to Euro 2024 with out counting on the outcomes of different matches.
The Turkish nationwide crew will full their group matches with an away sport in opposition to Wales on Nov. 21.
Source: www.dailysabah.com