Turkey-Latvia is a match on the eighth day of Group D of Euro 2024 qualifiers and is played Sunday at 8:45 p.m.: predictions.
Nincenzo Montella, the new selector of the Turkish national team, could not have hoped for a better debut. The former Fiorentina and AC Milan coach made his debut with a heavyweight win in Croatia, bringing Turkey substantially closer to the German European Championship.
A record-breaking victory, as the selection that finished third at the last World Cup had never lost a home match in European Championship qualifying. Breaking the very long unbeaten streak of Dalic’s men was a goal by Galatasaray striker Yilmaz, who scored midway through the first half with the complicity of a mistake by Croatian goalkeeper Livakovic. Worth mentioning, however, was the courageous and swaggering attitude – also from the tactical point of view – against one of the most assorted and insidious representatives such as Croatia, which has long been considered as a real big one and which had had an easy time (0-2) against the Crescent national team last March. With the three points won in Osijek, Turkey flew to the top of the standings, on 13 points, three more than Croatia itself. Further behind are Armenia and Wales, but after Thursday’s success they are less scary.Montella and his men will reach the goal in case of a win over Latvia and if Wales fails to beat the Croats.
Montella one step away from the goal
Even a draw could be enough to peel off one of the twenty-four passes to the continental review, provided, however, that the Welsh are defeated in the Cardiff challenge.
Latvian players
Qualification, then, is really close. But Turkey will not have to make the same mistake as Armenia, which on the last day fell resoundingly on the field of tail-end Latvia, until then last with zero points. The Baltics had put Calhanoglu and his teammates in trouble back in June, with the Turks edging it out only in the midst of a recovery thanks to a goal by Kahveci (2-3). The selection led by Dainis Kazakevics, prior to the unexpected success against the Armenians (2-0) had accumulated as many as seven defeats in a row, including in friendlies and the Baltic Cup.
The Prediction
Everything points to a comfortable victory for Turkey, which will in all likelihood celebrate qualification for the upcoming European Championships with a day to spare. Latvia, although galvanized by its success over Armenia, will not be able to get out of the Konya stadium unscathed in a match with at least three total goals.
Turkey-Latvia likely lineups
- TURKEY (4-1-4-1): Cakir; Kadioglu, Akaydin, Demiral, Ozkacar; Yuksek; Kahveci, Kokcu, Calhanoglu, Akturkoglu; Yilmaz.
- LETTONIA (4-2-3-1): Ozols; Savalnieks, Balodis, Dubra, Sorokins; Emsis, Tobers; Jaunzems, J. Ikaunieks, D. Ikaunieks; Uldrikis.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 3-1