Turkey clinch World Cup place after 24 year gap through gritty triumph over Kosovo

Since becoming part of FIFA and UEFA back in 2016, Kosovo had not come nearer to reaching the World Cup, as their exhilarating 4-3 success against Slovakia left them just one position short of the finals this summer.

For Turkey, this match carried its own historical weight, as they sought to snap their 24 year absence from the premier competition. Intense motivation and eagerness were evident right from the kick off in Pristina, with both squads eager to secure the vital result.

The initial effort on goal arrived within the opening five minutes, as Arijanet Muric easily gathered Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s effort from range, yet overall, there were few genuine opportunities before half time, thanks to solid defending with crucial clearances and tackles.

Both teams threatened from afar, however. Orkan Kökçü came close but failed to hit the mark with his long range attempt, while Turkey’s Uğurcan Çakır, who showed strong positioning all through the opening period, made an excellent save to divert Fisnik Asllani’s effort onto the bar.

Post interval, Turkey took charge early, and inside ten minutes, they opened the scoring. Kenan Yıldız had been unusually subdued up to that point, but his cut back reached Kökçü, whose effort was finished by Aktürkoğlu at point blank range.

This breakthrough seemed to boost the visitors’ assurance, and it took a fine save from Muric to deny Yıldız the top corner after he turned inside onto his favoured foot. 

Kosovo responded with real grit, creating a few good openings, but they struggled to truly test Çakır despite their efforts.

Florent Muslija unleashed a powerful drive from outside the box, though it sailed past the upright, and the Turkish keeper looked well placed to handle it.

Kosovo’s clearest opportunity arrived shortly after, with Çakır parrying Asllani’s close range effort from the bottom corner. Ultimately, for all their hard work, the hosts fell short at the decisive moment.

While Kosovo feel the disappointment, Turkey celebrate, now able to aspire to matching their 2002 semi final achievement. The Crescent Stars are also on a six game unbeaten streak, and with their talented lineup, they might emerge as surprise contenders in North America.