Didim Today

This was very critical game for Turkey and they have made it, Turkey wins the game with 1 goal and and Turkey vs Azerbaijan clash that could determine who secures the playoff spot in Group A, Turkish players have been clear about one thing: “if we can’t beat Azerbaijan at home, we don’t deserve to be part of Euro 2012″. It’s certainly a valid statement and one that the Turks will have to stand behind as they look to avenge the embarrassing loss they suffered to nearby neighbors Azerbaijan almost exactly year ago from this day.

Turkey head coach Guus Hiddink has been the source of a lot of controversy in Turkey, not only for his misunderstood statements in the media, but the way he has chosen to run this highly charged Turkish national side. Player choices aside, Hiddink is thought by many to be taking this Turkish head coach job only half seriously as he has his eye on coaching in some of the bigger clubs in Europe.

Hiddink has denied such allegations and claims he holds no regret in accepting the Turkey job, but his management of the team from Holland and his belief in the Turkish side has been questioned. Collecting 14 points in 9 matches is certainly what the Turkish Football Federation had in mind when forking over the large salary that got Hiddink the coaching job in the first place. Regardless, all the criticism will subside if Turkey do what they are expected and beat Azerbaijan.

Belgium’s chances of getting a win in Germany are seen as second to none, and all hell would break lose in the heavily Turkish populated regions of Germany if the Euro 2008 runners-up were to take a night off. Azerbaijan has certainly proved itself to be a dangerous opponent playing at home, beating Turkey and tying with Belgium, but on the road they are a shadow of their prime selves.

They will in all likelihood have a turtling approach to this game and play all out defense and hit on counter attacks, something they even resort to at home. Turkey was unsuccessful in taking on a German side this past Friday in Istanbul, but they showed flashes of effective football and were once again brought down by their Achilles’ heel which is their stability in defense.