Euro 2012 qualifying preview: Germany v Turkey
Germany and Turkey have history, you know. Recent history, in fact.
In June 2008, the national teams met in the semi-finals of the European Championships at St. Jakob-Park in Basel. At the end of a thoroughly entertaining encounter, it was the Germans who eventually sealed their place in the final after Philipp Lahm smashed in the winning goal in the 90th minute to hand Germany a 3-2 victory.
Wild celebrations ensued for Jurgen Klinsmann’s men, but valiant Turkey, who had been the surprise package of the tournament, were left to contemplate what might have been.
Now, two years later, Turkey will have the opportunity to gain some revenge for that unfortunate defeat. Much has happened since that thrilling clash at Euro 2008, most notably Germany wowing the crowds at the 2010 World Cup finals, only to fall at the semi-final stage. Meanwhile, Turkey now boast one of the finest coaches in world football in the form of Guus Hiddink after their failure to qualify for the prestigious tournament in South Africa.
Both sides enter tonight’s match in great form having won their opening two Euro 2012 qualifiers, and both managed to record impressive wins against the talented Belgium in the process. The grand Olympiastadion in Berlin will host this evening’s standout fixture, and the result could go a long way in determining who finishes top of Group A.
However, Belgium shouldn’t be cast out of the reckoning. Despite losing their opening two qualifiers, they possess quality throughout their squad. Late this afternoon Georges Leekens’ side face Kazakhstan in Astana, and will be confident of putting their first few points on the board. Austria are also favourites to beat Azerbaijan in the group’s other match.
Germany v Turkey may be the most intriguing fixture of the Euro 2012 qualifiers this evening, but Portugal v Denmark isn’t far behind.
The two teams are very familiar with one another after competing in the qualification stages of the 2010 World Cup. Denmark produced a stunning result in Lisbon back in September 2008, beating the Portuguese 3-2, and managed to hold the Euro 2004 finalists to a 1-1 draw in the corresponding fixture in Copenhagen. Portugal now have a new coach, Paulo Bento, after Carlos Queiroz was dismissed, and the 41-year-old will be desperate to get his reign off to a winning start in Group H.
Cyprus sent shockwaves across Europe after drawing 4-4 with Portugal last month, and they have another chance to live up to their ‘plucky underdog’ tag with a home tie against Group H leaders Norway this evening.
And if you’re after goals tonight, then look no further than Salamanca, where world champions Spain take on Lithuania in Group I. The Lithuanians proved that they’re no pushovers after beating Czech Republic in their previous qualifier, but Spain’s quality should inevitably shine through, as they look to advance to the top of the group.
Over in Group E, World Cup finalists Netherlands travel to Moldova tonight, without Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong, who was controversially dropped earlier this week following his leg-breaking challenge on Newcastle’s Hatem Ben Arfa. The Moldovans already have a win under their belt during this qualifying campaign and shouldn’t be underestimated. But nevertheless, Netherlands should record their third consecutive victory.
Group E’s San Marino are also in action tonight against Hungary in Budapest. An away victory for the European minnows would undoubtedly be the biggest giant-killing of the evening.
In Group D, Bosnia and Herzegovina have a chance to move towards the top of the table if they manage to seal maximum points against Albania in Tirana. Luxembourg also face Belarus tonight, but France aren’t in action against Romania until Saturday.
With Republic of Ireland and Russia going head-to-head in Group B, Slovakia will be confident of securing their third win of the qualification stages with an away match against Armenia. Meanwhile, Andorra and Macedonia battle it out to move off the bottom of the group.
Similarly in Group C, Serbia have a great chance to keep the pressure up on group leaders, Italy, who play Northern Ireland in Belfast. The Serbians face Estonia in Belgrade, while Slovenia are widely expected to beat Faroe Islands in Ljubljana.
And finally, things are wide open in Group F at present. Israel and Greece battle for group supremacy tomorrow evening in Ramat Gan, but this evening will see Georgia play stragglers Malta, and Greece take on Latvia.
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