26.03.2026 22:00
In the semi-final match of the playoff round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers, our national football team defeated Romania 1-0 at home, advancing to the final. Our team's opponent in the final will be the winner of the Slovakia-Kosovo match. The team that wins the final match will secure a ticket to the World Cup.
In the semi-final match of the playoff round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers, our national football team, coached by Vincenzo Montella, faced Romania, managed by Mircea Lucescu. The match, played at Tüpraş Stadium, was won by Turkey with a score of 1-0.
NO ACCURACY IN FREE KICK
In the 17th minute, Hakan Çalhanoğlu took a free kick from just outside the penalty area, but his shot went over the goal and out.
ROMANIA CAME DANGEROUSLY
In the 23rd minute, Romania created the first significant goal opportunity of the match. Hagi met the ball in the penalty area after Bancu's cross from the left, and his shot deflected off İsmail Yüksek and went for a corner.
WE GOT VERY CLOSE TO A GOAL WITH ARDA
In the 32nd minute, the national team came close to scoring. Kenan Yıldız, who intercepted the ball from Ratiu on the left wing, found Arda Güler after entering the penalty area. Arda's shot from just outside the penalty area went over the top and out.
THE STAR AND CRESCENT TEAM TOOK THE LEAD WITH FERDİ'S GOAL
The star and crescent team took the lead with a wonderful goal in the 53rd minute. Ferdi Kadıoğlu, who was freed by Arda Güler's excellent long pass from the right wing, scored as soon as he met the ball, beating the goalkeeper.
KENAN YILDIZ HIT THE POST
In the 61st minute of the match, we came very close to doubling the lead. Kenan Yıldız, who received the ball after entering the penalty area with great passes, attempted a shot from the left diagonal that hit the crossbar and went out.
ROMANIA CAME EFFECTIVELY FOR EQUALITY
In the 77th minute of the match, Romania came effectively for the equalizer. Hagi's shot, which he found in the chaos resulting from a corner kick, hit the post.
OUR NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM ADVANCED TO THE FINAL
No other goals were scored in the remaining time of the match, and our national football team managed to win. With this result, Romania's chance to go to the World Cup was eliminated. Our team, however, continued their hopes of going to the World Cup by securing a place in the final. The opponent of the star and crescent team in the final will be the winner of the Slovakia-Kosovo match. The team that wins the final match will secure a ticket to the World Cup.