The Spanish team captain, Iker Casillas, stressed the importance of drawing the three points in the match tomorrow at the Ali Sami Yen stadium in Turkey, valid for the 2010 World because doing this is "putting one foot in South Africa and leave the show on track. "
"Probably in the morning is the most important thing we have left, because they get the three points is to put one foot in the World South Africa the other day and we won a difficult match and we are where we wanted because we had to win at home and not to lose here, so if we go out with the victory we must pass on track.
In case of victory, the 'Bulls' will live a final classification stage something very pleasant in contrast to the previous apreturas appointments. "To remember the World Japan and Korea, it appears that we are better. If we leave the track before the break until September, would be very nice to concentrate on the Confederations Cup and rest until next season," he said.
On the environmental pressure that can undergo selection in the morning Ali Sami Yen, Casillas is aware that "you can stand and give them a lot more pressure than if it were a team because it's her choice."
In this regard, Madrid recalled its canterano experiences at the stadium in Istanbul on April 3, 2001, when measured with the Galatasaray Real Madrid: "I have experience when we played there in the quarterfinals of Champions League , rose to a 0-2 for us, and although they spent in the Bernabeu, the fans made them grow and make good Galatasaray put us things complicated. "
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Fernando Torres:"Turkey will be twice as difficult".
Fernando Torres has warned Spain their second World Cup qualifier against Turkey will be "twice as difficult".
The European Champions triumphed 1-0 at the Bernabeu, with Gerard Pique notching the only goal of a closely-fought contest in the 60th minute to leave them with one foot in the finals.
Spain are keen to maintain their 100% record in Group Five, but Torres knows Turkey will be equally as eager to avenge the weekend's defeat.
"We always go into games with humility but each time our opponents make it more difficult for us because everyone wants to beat the champions," he said.
"If it cost us so much to win at home, in front of our fans, Wednesday will be twice as difficult.
"The game will be very similar to the other day and we have already been warned that Turkey are a great international side, with great players and that they have a lot of desire to beat us."
The triumph extended Spain's unbeaten run to 30 matches - of which 28 have been ended in victory - and also saw them move six points clear of second-placed Bosnia-Herzegovina.
With the qualifiers at the halfway stage Spain are very much on course for South Africa, but Torres has urged his team-mates not to take anything for granted.
"Winning there would not mathematically qualify us," continued the Liverpool striker. "If we win we will have taken a big step but in football everything can change from one day to the next.
"By winning we will continue having the incentive to get new victories, to continue beating records and keep our run of results.
"We have other reasons to win, not just to qualify."
The past year has seen a turnaround in Spain's fortunes as they stormed to the Euro 2008 title and top spot in the FIFA world rankings for the first time ever.
It is a nice change for fans used to La Roja failing to fulfil expectations time and time again, crashing out of tournaments prematurely, and Torres admits it makes a nice change for the players too.
"It's a pleasure to see the leap in quality that the team have done," he said. "Before we suffered enough embarrassments and difficult periods in qualifying.
"We suffered a lot but the team has developed. It has become a great international side and we hope that it will be like this for a long time.
"What we have to do now is enjoy it."
Source:wires
The European Champions triumphed 1-0 at the Bernabeu, with Gerard Pique notching the only goal of a closely-fought contest in the 60th minute to leave them with one foot in the finals.
Spain are keen to maintain their 100% record in Group Five, but Torres knows Turkey will be equally as eager to avenge the weekend's defeat.
"We always go into games with humility but each time our opponents make it more difficult for us because everyone wants to beat the champions," he said.
"If it cost us so much to win at home, in front of our fans, Wednesday will be twice as difficult.
"The game will be very similar to the other day and we have already been warned that Turkey are a great international side, with great players and that they have a lot of desire to beat us."
The triumph extended Spain's unbeaten run to 30 matches - of which 28 have been ended in victory - and also saw them move six points clear of second-placed Bosnia-Herzegovina.
With the qualifiers at the halfway stage Spain are very much on course for South Africa, but Torres has urged his team-mates not to take anything for granted.
"Winning there would not mathematically qualify us," continued the Liverpool striker. "If we win we will have taken a big step but in football everything can change from one day to the next.
"By winning we will continue having the incentive to get new victories, to continue beating records and keep our run of results.
"We have other reasons to win, not just to qualify."
The past year has seen a turnaround in Spain's fortunes as they stormed to the Euro 2008 title and top spot in the FIFA world rankings for the first time ever.
It is a nice change for fans used to La Roja failing to fulfil expectations time and time again, crashing out of tournaments prematurely, and Torres admits it makes a nice change for the players too.
"It's a pleasure to see the leap in quality that the team have done," he said. "Before we suffered enough embarrassments and difficult periods in qualifying.
"We suffered a lot but the team has developed. It has become a great international side and we hope that it will be like this for a long time.
"What we have to do now is enjoy it."
Source:wires
Monday, March 30, 2009
ARDA TURAN :I AM NOT A STAR
Arda Turhan gave a recent interview to FIFA.com web site and he talked about the Turkish football in general and him self.
Here is the interwiew,,,,,,,
FIFA.com: Mr Turan, are you Turkish football's latest superstar? Arda Turan: I'm not a star, just a good footballer and, most importantly, I'm a team player. I always give 100 per cent and I'm constantly trying to improve my game.
Do you want to stay in Turkey or would you like to play abroad one day?
I'm definitely planning on playing in one of Europe's top leagues at some point. It would be a great chance for me to represent my country and further my career.
Are there any teams in particular who you would like to play for?
Liverpool or Juventus would be great.
What is so special about the Turkish league and what is it like playing for an historic club like Galatasaray?
It's a fascinating league, but sometimes the pitches we have to play on aren't great and that doesn't make things easy. At Galatasaray, winning the title is always a must, and being part of a team like that means that you are constantly under pressure to succeed and have to possess a will to win.
The people in Turkey are extremely passionate and would never give up on the team they love.
Turan on the Turkish fans
The Turkish fans always create a fantastic atmosphere in the stadiums. Why is that?
The people in Turkey are extremely passionate and would never give up on the team they love.
Turkey currently lie in third place behind Spain and Bosnia-Herzegovina. You've played in all five qualifying matches so far and scored against the latter. What does it mean to you to play for your country?
I'm a very patriotic person and have plenty to thank my country for, so pulling on the national strip means a lot to me. It's a great honour.
What would it mean to you to play in your first ever FIFA World Cup?
All the greatest footballers in history made their names at the World Cup, so I think it would be a big opportunity for me.
Turkey did not qualify for Germany 2006 but then made it to the semi-finals of UEFA EURO 2008. If they do manage to qualify for South Africa 2010, what do you think they can realistically hope to achieve?
Our minimum goal has to be to survive the group stage. After that, provided we take each game as it comes, we have every chance of improving on our semi-final finish in 2002.
At EURO 2008, Turkey bowed out at the last-four stage to Germany after Philipp Lahm scored a late winner in a tight encounter. Was that the worst moment of your career so far?
The worst moment of my career was when I got shown a yellow card in the quarter-final, leaving me to watch the Germany game from the stands.
Turkey are currently 11th in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings. What is holding the team back from moving further up the list?
The more experience we gain, the more we will improve.
Do you have a role model and who would you like to swap shirts with?
Maradona is my favourite player because he was just so talented and I also admire Zinedine Zidane for his skills on the pitch. From today's players, it would be nice to swap shirts with Lionel Messi.
Who is the best midfielder in the world at the moment?
Kaka.
Do you have any plans for life after football? I would stay involved in football in some capacity, probably in the coaching side of things.
What are your goals for the rest of 2009?
To retain the league title with Galatasaray and win as many games as I can with the national team.
Source: fifa.com
Here is the interwiew,,,,,,,
FIFA.com: Mr Turan, are you Turkish football's latest superstar? Arda Turan: I'm not a star, just a good footballer and, most importantly, I'm a team player. I always give 100 per cent and I'm constantly trying to improve my game.
Do you want to stay in Turkey or would you like to play abroad one day?
I'm definitely planning on playing in one of Europe's top leagues at some point. It would be a great chance for me to represent my country and further my career.
Are there any teams in particular who you would like to play for?
Liverpool or Juventus would be great.
What is so special about the Turkish league and what is it like playing for an historic club like Galatasaray?
It's a fascinating league, but sometimes the pitches we have to play on aren't great and that doesn't make things easy. At Galatasaray, winning the title is always a must, and being part of a team like that means that you are constantly under pressure to succeed and have to possess a will to win.
The people in Turkey are extremely passionate and would never give up on the team they love.
Turan on the Turkish fans
The Turkish fans always create a fantastic atmosphere in the stadiums. Why is that?
The people in Turkey are extremely passionate and would never give up on the team they love.
Turkey currently lie in third place behind Spain and Bosnia-Herzegovina. You've played in all five qualifying matches so far and scored against the latter. What does it mean to you to play for your country?
I'm a very patriotic person and have plenty to thank my country for, so pulling on the national strip means a lot to me. It's a great honour.
What would it mean to you to play in your first ever FIFA World Cup?
All the greatest footballers in history made their names at the World Cup, so I think it would be a big opportunity for me.
Turkey did not qualify for Germany 2006 but then made it to the semi-finals of UEFA EURO 2008. If they do manage to qualify for South Africa 2010, what do you think they can realistically hope to achieve?
Our minimum goal has to be to survive the group stage. After that, provided we take each game as it comes, we have every chance of improving on our semi-final finish in 2002.
At EURO 2008, Turkey bowed out at the last-four stage to Germany after Philipp Lahm scored a late winner in a tight encounter. Was that the worst moment of your career so far?
The worst moment of my career was when I got shown a yellow card in the quarter-final, leaving me to watch the Germany game from the stands.
Turkey are currently 11th in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings. What is holding the team back from moving further up the list?
The more experience we gain, the more we will improve.
Do you have a role model and who would you like to swap shirts with?
Maradona is my favourite player because he was just so talented and I also admire Zinedine Zidane for his skills on the pitch. From today's players, it would be nice to swap shirts with Lionel Messi.
Who is the best midfielder in the world at the moment?
Kaka.
Do you have any plans for life after football? I would stay involved in football in some capacity, probably in the coaching side of things.
What are your goals for the rest of 2009?
To retain the league title with Galatasaray and win as many games as I can with the national team.
Source: fifa.com
Saturday, March 28, 2009
GOOD START BUT BAD FINISH FOR TURKEY
First twenty minutes of the match Turkish National team had more chances against Spain.
They out played Spanish team in the first half but went down with a fluke goal in the second half.
Turkish National team just ran out of gas in th second half.
They could not do any set plays from back field and midfield.
And The players, who ran out their hearts out, in the first half of the match, was just tired.
Fatih Terim and Turkish National team not only loss the match, they lost their second place to Bosnia after Bosnia won in away match against Belgium.
Getting back to the match, In the sixth minute Turkish National team captain Nihat Kahveci fired a low shot just wide, after that Senturk brought a diving save out of Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
Casillias was the day, savior for Spanish team.
Just before the half time Fernando Torres for Spain tested Turkish keeper Volkan Demirel from the edge of the area.
In the closing minute of the first half Arda Turan had a chance but he could not control the ball in the box and Casillias rushed out and got the ball .
As I said ,Fatih Terim's boys looked sluggish in the start of second half...
In the 61th minute the only goal of the match came.Xavi free-kick went to Sergio Ramos at the far post. The ball rebounded off Ramos' leg and bounced across goal to Pique, who forced home the rebound.
On this play, Tuncay Sanli's and keeper Volkan Demirel's timing was off..
Tuncay Sanli made a huge mistake as far as going up to head the ball and keeper Volkan Demirel did not come out of his goal line to get the ball.
After the match Fatih Terim speaking at the press conference said, "Spain deserved to win.After the goal, they played better. I congratulate them."
He also said , "Wednsday match will be different.Today we had three great chances. We did not take them, but it is clear that we can beat Spain."
Turkey host Spain in Istanbul on Wednesday while Second place Bosnia will be at home against Belgium.
So, the second place that Fatih Terim was talking about earlier in the week...
Saying that Spain will be first and Turkey will finish in second place in Group 5, might just be a empty promise!..
If Fatih Terim's boys loss on wednsday and Bosnia wins against Belgium, you could just kiss good bye to second place too..
Spain is perfect with 15 points on top while Bosnia sit on second with nine and Turkey one point behind on third. the Belgium has seven points.
AHMET TURGUT
Spain 1 - 0 Turkey Highlights
More football highlights at fcfootballblog.com
They out played Spanish team in the first half but went down with a fluke goal in the second half.
Turkish National team just ran out of gas in th second half.
They could not do any set plays from back field and midfield.
And The players, who ran out their hearts out, in the first half of the match, was just tired.
Fatih Terim and Turkish National team not only loss the match, they lost their second place to Bosnia after Bosnia won in away match against Belgium.
Getting back to the match, In the sixth minute Turkish National team captain Nihat Kahveci fired a low shot just wide, after that Senturk brought a diving save out of Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
Casillias was the day, savior for Spanish team.
Just before the half time Fernando Torres for Spain tested Turkish keeper Volkan Demirel from the edge of the area.
In the closing minute of the first half Arda Turan had a chance but he could not control the ball in the box and Casillias rushed out and got the ball .
As I said ,Fatih Terim's boys looked sluggish in the start of second half...
In the 61th minute the only goal of the match came.Xavi free-kick went to Sergio Ramos at the far post. The ball rebounded off Ramos' leg and bounced across goal to Pique, who forced home the rebound.
On this play, Tuncay Sanli's and keeper Volkan Demirel's timing was off..
Tuncay Sanli made a huge mistake as far as going up to head the ball and keeper Volkan Demirel did not come out of his goal line to get the ball.
After the match Fatih Terim speaking at the press conference said, "Spain deserved to win.After the goal, they played better. I congratulate them."
He also said , "Wednsday match will be different.Today we had three great chances. We did not take them, but it is clear that we can beat Spain."
Turkey host Spain in Istanbul on Wednesday while Second place Bosnia will be at home against Belgium.
So, the second place that Fatih Terim was talking about earlier in the week...
Saying that Spain will be first and Turkey will finish in second place in Group 5, might just be a empty promise!..
If Fatih Terim's boys loss on wednsday and Bosnia wins against Belgium, you could just kiss good bye to second place too..
Spain is perfect with 15 points on top while Bosnia sit on second with nine and Turkey one point behind on third. the Belgium has seven points.
AHMET TURGUT
Spain 1 - 0 Turkey Highlights
More football highlights at fcfootballblog.com
NIHAT AND SEMIH BOTH WILL START FOR TURKEY
The unpredictable man, coach of Turkish national team shocked every one again..
He will start Nihat Kahveci and Semih Senturk against Spain .
Is this a gamble or going all-out?...
We will find out....
We don't know if he is going to have two man at the top or only one.
Nihat also will be the captain of Turkey against Spain..
At the press conferense Fatih Terim said "There should be no doubt that it will be a hard match and we will be facing an extremely tough opponent,“The Turkish team goes out to win whatever the conditions and wherever we are playing,” he added. “We can win or lose but we will never abandon that philosophy.”
Here is the Fatih Terim's Turkish National team starting eleven.......
Volkan Demirle , Gökhan Gönül, Emre Aşık, Hakan Balta, İbrahim Üzülmez, Tuncay, Aurelio, Emre Belözoğlu, Arda Turan, Semih Senturk, Nihat Kahveci
On the other hand Spain also anounced startng eleven too
Here is the Spain starting line up.....
Iker Casillas, Joan Capdevila, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Raul Albiol, Xabier Alonso, Marcos Senna Da Silva, Xavi Hernandez, Santiago Cazorla, David Villa, Fernando Torres
He will start Nihat Kahveci and Semih Senturk against Spain .
Is this a gamble or going all-out?...
We will find out....
We don't know if he is going to have two man at the top or only one.
Nihat also will be the captain of Turkey against Spain..
At the press conferense Fatih Terim said "There should be no doubt that it will be a hard match and we will be facing an extremely tough opponent,“The Turkish team goes out to win whatever the conditions and wherever we are playing,” he added. “We can win or lose but we will never abandon that philosophy.”
Here is the Fatih Terim's Turkish National team starting eleven.......
Volkan Demirle , Gökhan Gönül, Emre Aşık, Hakan Balta, İbrahim Üzülmez, Tuncay, Aurelio, Emre Belözoğlu, Arda Turan, Semih Senturk, Nihat Kahveci
On the other hand Spain also anounced startng eleven too
Here is the Spain starting line up.....
Iker Casillas, Joan Capdevila, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Raul Albiol, Xabier Alonso, Marcos Senna Da Silva, Xavi Hernandez, Santiago Cazorla, David Villa, Fernando Torres
Friday, March 27, 2009
Spain Is Ready,Is Fatih Terim's Turkey Ready?...
It is probably the most important and most exciting match on Saturday on the road to the 2010 World Cup.
Spain says they are ready for the big showdown with Fatih Terim's Turkish National Team, back-to-back.
Spain is perfect in their last 29 matches. They sit on top of group five in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification with 12 points in four matches. The Turkish National team is in second place with eight points.
Spanish Bulls coach Del Bosque, a former coach of Besiktas team, who was called by Turkish media as "Butcher of Yenikoy," when he was coaching in Istanbul, knows Turkish football and the players very well.
For Spain, striker David Villa, midfielders Xavi and David Silva, and defenders Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique have all recovered from minor injuries and will be available to play against Turkish National Team.
Star studed Bulls of Spain, who have five players from the Liverpool team, want to win these two matches.
What about Fatih Terim's Turkey? Is he worrying about his player's circumstances? Most of his players are from Fenerbahce and Galatasaray.
Both teams are having a poor season in the Turkish Tirkcell Super League. This is a nightmare for Fatih Terim, but it's not the only problem.The Turkish National Team has a huge problem with defense.
I think this will be the weakest link for Terim and Turkish National team. Midfield and the keeper position look set in Fatih Terim's mind for Saturday .
The other problem area is the forwards.
Will it be Semih Senturk or Nihat Kahveci?
Will he play 4-3-3 or 4-5-1?
These are the questions, I believe, Terim asks himself when he goes to bed.
Fatih Terim is very good at giving players an extra push with his unusual style of coaching from the sideline and before the big matches. He knows this is a big match for him and the Turkish National team.
He even tells his players, "If we beat world's number one team Spain in their own house, every one in the world will talk about us." Last time Turkey beat Spain was in 1945, and Turkey won the match 1-0.
So, nothing is impossible.
Spain is the Europe's and World's best team. But, "comeback kings" of Europe, who finish third in the last European competition. Turkey playing with their soul and pride could pull a upset score in Spain on Saturday
AHMET TURGUT
Sivasspor's Secret to Success..."Lack of nightlife "
Sivasspor Coach Bulent Uygun
These words came out of the mouth of Sivasspor Rookie coach Bulent Uygun.
If you remember , just about ten days ago, this is the man who demolished the sidelined booth after getting out of the control on the sideline match against Ankaraspor.
But, His team sits on top of the Turkcell Super League ,ahead of Istanbul Giants...
Bulent Uygun who was invited to panel in his home town Sakarya...
There, he made some interesting remarks about the success of Sivasspor.
He said,their success is partly due to the lack of nightlife in Sivas.
"There are only a few shops where my players can buy drinks but I'm in contact with the shop owners, so I am informed as soon as one of my players buy drinks and I warn him."
The city of Sivas in the middle of Anatolia and Sivasspor are top of the Turkish Turkcell Super League with 50 points, ahead of Besiktas who has 49 points.
Sivasspor fans are dreaming that the Sivaspor club could break Istanbul's 24-year stranglehold on the league title.
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