Senol Gunes’ Turkey team may have failed massively at the Euro 2020 tournament in June, but so far, the Turks are leading World Cup qualifying Group G after five matchdays.
On Tuesday night, Turkey will visit Group G’s second-place team, the Netherlands, with top spot in the group on the line. The Dutch are under new management as Louis van Gaal returned to the team in July after Frank De Boer’s resignation.
𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐃𝐀𝐘: An important one. 🔥⁰🏟 Johan Cruijff ArenA⁰🇳🇱 - 🇹🇷 | 20:45 CEST | NPO 3#WCQ2022 #NEDTUR pic.twitter.com/gVJXmLhUc9— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) September 7, 2021
𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐃𝐀𝐘: An important one. 🔥⁰🏟 Johan Cruijff ArenA⁰🇳🇱 - 🇹🇷 | 20:45 CEST | NPO 3#WCQ2022 #NEDTUR pic.twitter.com/gVJXmLhUc9
De Boer left the Netherlands national team managerial job after the team’s elimination at the Euro 2020 tournament. Just one point separate Turkey and the Netherlands in Group G.
Norway are breathing down both Turkey and the Netherland’s necks. The Norwegians are level on points with the Netherlands with 10. Norway snatch what could be a vital 1-1 draw with the Netherlands during the current international break.
Turkey have taken four points from six during the current international break. They drew 2-2 with Montenegro before defeating Gibraltar 3-0. The Dutch drew 1-1 with Norway prior to claiming a 4-0 win over Montenegro.
This is the second match of World Cup qualifying Group G between Turkey and the Netherlands. Turkey shocked the Dutch in the previous fixture in Istanbul, 4-2.
Burak Yilmaz scored a hat-trick and Hakan Calhanoglu added another goal. The Dutch got goals from Davy Klaassen and Luuk de Jong. The scoreline makes the match look far closer than it actually was. Turkey were up 3-0 before the Netherlands scored their first goal in the 75th minute.
The Dutch have not played well historically against Turkey. Although they edge the series in wins, the Netherlands have posted a record of just 5W-4D-4L all time versus Turkey. The Dutch have lost back-to-back games against Turkey by a combined scoreline of 7-2.
Van Gaal rested Virgil van Dijk for the win over Montenegro. The Liverpool man should regain his place in defence for Tuesday. Denzel Dumfries is likely to start at right-back with Georginio Wijnaldum, Frenkie de Jong, and Davy Klaassen in midfield. Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo should start in attack.
Calhanoglu and Karaman scored against Gibraltar. Both started the game on the bench but should return to the starting XI. Yilmaz will also likely start for the Turks.
World Cup qualification for Turkey and/or the Netherlands is at stake on Tuesday night in Amsterdam. The Dutch should be much improved from the previous match between the two teams and claim a win. Expect over 2.5 goals between these rivals once more.