Turkish language national football team coach Stefan Koontz said he did full trust on for him side Before of Thursday key World Cup qualifiers match against former European champion Portugal.
German coach took Rudder by Shinol Gunesh last September and Turkey sailed to the qualifying stages with tie against Norway and three victories in The last three group The theater matches.
Turkey will do now play against Portugal in The newly introduced semi-finals. The winner we will go on to face victor of The match between the European champions Italy and North Macedonia, for a chance To book the World Cup ticket in Qatar.
before team left for Porto on Tuesday 59-yearOld or old coach He said that although Portugal was clear favorite on Paper, it will be difficult match for they.
“I’d like like To say we will put on a performance that turkish people We will be proud of. They will see our determination to win And the support with Enthusiasm “.
“When you look at the European championships and the FIFA rankings, on Portugal paper favorite. But on The match Today, when the referee blows the whistle for you performance on The stadium will make the difference.
pressure on Portugal
he is added That since Portugal is expected to play in World Cup, there will be a lot of Interest on them and this only add to pressure.
Turkey, in Comparison, we will get into match Like the underdog. “number one I thought we could come here. We have nothing to lose. It will be very difficult match for other side. They won’t be able to get it out Easily ” former player-heart-coach He said NTV Sport.
he is added They analyzed the opposition well but also He emphasized that what Turkey does is the most important best on dirty.
On the treatment of Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, Koontz said: “Man-to-man surveillance is so one way to defend against Ronaldo, but our plan is more About team defense. We have to prevent Ronaldo from passing, and try to prevent him from staying one-on-one. “
Koontz also happy with the quality of His team saying that Turkey is team to be proud of Because of his talent playersSome of who are they in is very good appearance.
he is also put a lot of Importance on temperament and drive to win.
“If you have drive to wina lot of Things may change. we saw it in Champions League game Between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. The side who – which wanted victory more won,” He said.
Game plan, you will be brave key
The national team coach He said Turkey would need a game plan can give is the biggest chance against Portugal.
“we’ve got good defense And the good midfield. K teamWe’ll have to take the field with Bravery. We have to believe in ourselves. They have to win us.
“If you ride on Wave. If the wave exists, you have to get it on higher of This and surf … there also Things you can’t control, so you need A little luck too. However, whatever it is, we have to do sure Who is this first Touch, we have to make them say, “This match It will not be easy. ”
Koontz also Confirmed that victory was so also Importance players enjoy your game.
“when you start The matchYou have to play like Child. You want Togo out on field and play football … It is important to be able to do what is in Your mind and your heart against a opponent like Portugal. You should Enjoy playing,” He said.
playoff semifinals The finals will be held in Knockout form of one leg. The semifinals will be played on March 24 and finals on March 29.
The 2022 World Cup will be held from November 21 to December 18.
