ISTANBUL – Turkey moved inside one sport of ending their lengthy World Cup absence as Ferdi Kadioglu’s second-half purpose secured a 1-0 win over Romania of their playoff semi-final on Thursday, following a second of brilliance from Arda Guler.
In a high-stakes encounter at Besiktas Park, the impasse was damaged within the 53rd minute when Actual Madrid midfielder Guler produced an outstanding defence-splitting go to pick Kadioglu, who managed and completed calmly to present the hosts the lead.
That proved decisive in a decent contest between two sides searching for a return to the World Cup after lengthy absences, with Turkey final showing in 2002 and Romania in 1998.
Guler mentioned the transfer had been mentioned within the dressing room at halftime as Turkey seemed to interrupt down Romania’s defensive block.
“We mentioned the purpose on the halftime break. I might get the ball and Ferdi would make a run into the penalty field. It occurred precisely how we deliberate it,” he informed Turkish broadcaster TV8.
Turkey grew in confidence after going forward and got here near doubling their benefit shortly afterwards, with Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz reducing in from the left and hanging the crossbar with an outstanding curling effort.
Romania, who had stored the hosts at bay in a cautious first half, pushed ahead looking for an equalizer however had been unable to interrupt by as Turkey held agency to see out the victory.
The win sends Turkey into the playoff last on March 31, the place they’ll face Slovakia or Kosovo for a spot on the 2026 World Cup.
