Turkish National Team coach Fatih Terim knows his side has a tall task ahead of them over the next week. Türkiye will take on reigning European champs Spain twice in five days starting this weekend. Despite the lofty competition, Terim feels his side will be in South Africa for the 2010 World Cup next summer.

The next two matches will be crucial for Türkiye. A potential berth in the 2010 World Cup is on the line but the Turks must play European giants Spain twice in the next week. Nevertheless, coach Fatih Terim likes his team's chances to be in South Africa next summer.

"I think Spain will win the group, and we will be the runner up," Terim told Spanish sports daily Marca. "But we will be in the World Cup." The Turks play Spain in Madrid on Saturday, then will take on the Euro 2008 champs in Istanbul next Wednesday.

"We have the utmost respect for Spain, but we will not be afraid," Terim told the media outlet. "I am sure that we have a shot at winning. And any positive result will motivate my players to get better."

Terim told Marca that he's been scouting the Spaniards and believes he's found something his team can take advantage of. "They have their powerful sides, but I feel I found their weaknesses," said Terim. "We will try to exploit them."

(source:fenerbahceworldwide)

Devamı...>>

The Milli Takım completed their first training Tuesday to prepare for their upcoming clash against Spain. The team is in Madrid and training at the Real Madrid practice facilities this week. Coach Fatih Terim said his team is facing a number of issues that has him concerned headed into Saturday's match.

Terim spoke with reporters Tuesday following the team's first training session to prepare for Spain. He stated that the squad is facing a number of injury concerns prior to the match. Villareal star Nihat Kahveci is recovering from injury, while Gökhan Ünal and Fenerbahçe star Gökhan Gönül are both dealing with minor injury issues. Bayern Munich star Hamit Altıntop was also ruled out of this weekend's match on Tuesday.

Terim also said his team has some psychological concerns related to club teams dealing with poor results this season. The Turkish boss said he's developed two different squads for this weekend based on injury concerns and player development.

"There are two legs to be played against Spain and all the points we can add up are important," Terim told reporters on Tuesday. "We don't have fear in our dictionary. We deleted the word from our dictionaries many years ago. We will never go out on the field in fear; even if we lose we won't hold back," he said.

Terim also told reporters that while he's confident about his team's chances, their qualification hopes aren't hinging solely on the next two results. "Worst case scenario, even if we lose both matches against Spain, we won't have lost our chance to go to the finals. We will win our next four matches and take the Türk Milli Takımı to where it deserves to go," he said.

The coach is also excited about the atmosphere for this weekend's match. "It will be a historical moment. Not everyone gets to play at the Santiago Bernebau Stadium."

Devamı...>>