Latvia stunned Turkey with their incredible efforts, coming from behind to secure a 3 – 3 draw
Turkey have been held to a 3-3 in the World Cup Qualifiers by underdogs Latvia, who scripted a thrilling comeback.
The Turks entered the game with their best form – winning each of their first two Qualifiers against Netherlands and Norway – and were also deemed the favourites.
As expected, the home side continued their dominance from the off, with Kenan Karaman finding the nets inside two minutes. AC Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu doubled the lead before Latvia’s Savalniek halved the deficit minutes later.
Turkey looked as they had put the game beyond Latvia’s reach when they scored the third for the night, a penalty from Burak Yilmaz.
However, Latvia put on an impressive fight to cancel out Turkey’s two-goal cushion as Uldrikis and Ikaunieks found the scoresheet.
The draw would be a memorable one for Latvia, who picked their first point of the World Cup Qualifiers group stage.
Turks would be utterly disappointed to let their two-goal advantage slip against minnows like Latvia. Nonetheless, they top Group G ahead of the Dutch.
Despite the result, Turkey have manifested the effectiveness of their attack for the third time in a week. Without a doubt, the Turks will be considered as one of the strong contenders for the upcoming European Championship.
However, today’s result would be a huge opportunity to learn from their mistakes as they often look fragile in the defence.
Turkey vs Latvia Line-ups
Turkey
Ugurcan Cakir, Çaglar Söyüncü, Ozan Kabak, Okay Yokuslu, Caner Erkin, Mert Mulder, Ozan Tufan, Yusuf Yazici, Hakan Calhanoglu, Kenan Karaman, Burak Yilmaz.
Substitutes
Mert Günok, Alpaslan Ozturk, Deniz Turuc, Halil Akbunar, Abdulkerim Bardakci, Enes Ünal, Taylan Antalyali, Umut Meras, Orkun Kökcü, Altay Bayindir, Bunyamin Balci, Enis Destan.
Latvia
Pavels Steinbors, Marcis Oss, Antonijs Cernomordijs, Raivis Andris Jurkovskis, Vladislavs Fjodorovs, Janis Ikaunieks, Eduards Emsis, Kristers Tobers, Roberts Uldrikis, Andrej Ciganiks, Roberts Savalnieks.
Substitutes
Aleksandrs Solovjovs, Vitalijs Maksimenko, Igors Tarasovs, Vladimirs Kamess, Arturs Zjuzins, Davis Ikaunieks, Roberts Ozols, Krisjanis Zviedris, Aleksejs Saveljevs, Daniels Ontuzans, Alvis Jaunzems, Raimonds Krollis.
