Terim's Troubles: Turkiye 1-1 Moldova

Terim's Troubles: Turkiye 1-1 Moldova
By Nathan L. Redd

Turkiye's troubles in Euro 2008 qualifying continued on Saturday with a 1-1 draw in Moldova. After Turkiye's huge win in Greece earlier this year, the Milli Takim has produced one disappointment after another.

The home side got on the board first in the 11th minute with a goal from striker Viorel Frunza. The game remained a 1-0 score until the 63rd minute when Umit Karan scored the equalizer for Turkiye. Moldova continued their streak of exceptional play at home, despite having fewer scoring opportunities once again. Turkiye had 13 shots in the game, including eight on goal. Moldova got only five total shots, with only three of them on goal. Moldova goalkeeper Nicolae Calancea had to make ten saves in the game, while the tandem of Hakan Arikan and Fenerbahce goalkeeper Volkan Demirel was truly tested only three times.

The time of possession went as a 50-50 split. Turkiye also had five chances to connect on corner kicks, compared to just one for Moldova.

Fenerbahce's Mehmet Aurelio started the game for Fatih Terim. Volkan Demirel came in as a substitute just 17 minutes in and fellow Fenerbahce star Tumer Metin also checked in at the 69th minute.

To add to Turkiye's troubles, Greece put away Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-2 and Hungary dispatched Malta 2-0 in Group C action. After Saturday, Turkiye sits in second place with 18 points, while Greece still sits atop the group with 22 points. Norway, who was idle today, sits in third place with 17 points.

Turkiye faces a huge challenge next week against Greece in Istanbul. The two historic rivals will kickoff Wednesday, October 17 from Ali Sami Yen Stadium.

(Photo courtesy of Hurriyet)