Thursday’s Victors Will Play Slovakia Or Kosovo In The Final
Tupras Stadium | World Cup Play-Off Path C Semi-Final | Thursday March 26 | 5pm
Prior to Thursday’s World Cup play-off semi-final, BetVictor News brings you the Turkey vs Romania preview, prediction, H2H record, betting angles and more.
Turkey Vs Romania Preview
It’s hard to believe that Turkey haven’t featured in the World Cup finals since they placed third in the 2002 edition in Japan and South Korea. The legendary Hakan Sukur created history in the tournament, scoring the fastest World Cup goal in history when he netted inside 10.8 seconds against Korea in the third-placed play-off.
Fast-forward 24 years and head coach Vincenzo Montella will be hoping to restore the Ay-Yildizlilar’s former glories. Ironically, Montella knows all about Turkey’s epic run to the semi-final as he was representing Italy in the same tournament.
He – more than most – will know the importance of advancing past Thursday’s opponents in Istanbul. The Turkey vs Romania betting odds favour the home side and with up-and-coming world superstars Kenan Yildiz and Arder Guler, they have a great chance of getting the job done.
As for the Romanians, they haven’t appeared in football’s greatest extravaganza since 1998. Those old enough to remember will recall the entire team in the final group stage fixture against Tunisia dying their hair blonde. On that occasion, they were eventually knocked out in the R16 to Davor Suker’s Croatia.
Perhaps current head coach Mircea Lucescu will suggests his players don’t implement such an unorthodox talking point if they are successful in going all the way. Lucescu knows just how difficult the task in front of him is today and focus will be the key to success.
Having tripped at the play-off hurdle in 2002 and 2014, the Tricolours will be hoping it’s third time lucky this time around. The main goal threats come in the form of Ianis Hagi, Florin Tanase and Dennis Man.
Turkey Vs Romania H2H Record
When it comes to the Turkey vs Romania H2H record, the Romanians hold a clear advantage. Of the 27 previous encounters, the Eastern Europeans have 14 victories to their name. The Turks have just five with the remaining eight being drawn.
Many will be backing Vincenzo Montella’s side to qualify but the historical factor is well worth considering when it comes to European World Cup play-off betting markets. Even more so as Romania came out on top the last time the sides met in 2017.
- Turkey wins: 5
- Draws: 8
- Romania wins: 14
Turkey World Cup qualifying form: D-W-W-W-L
Romania World Cup qualifying form: W-L-W-D-W
Turkey Vs Romania Team News
Turkey will be pinning their hopes on the attacking trio of Arda Guler, Kenan Yildiz and Kerem Akturkoglu at the Tupras Stadium. They scored six times between them in qualifying but Guler and Yildiz in particular will have the weight of the nation on their shoulders.
Inter Milan ace and skipper Hakan Calhanoglu will also be vital to the Crescent-Stars chances. At club level this season, Calhanoglu has scored nine times in 26 appearances. He will earn his 103rd cap in Istanbul on Thursday and his overall international experience will be crucial.
Meanwhile, Romania have their own trio of Ianis Hagi, Florin Tanase and Dennis Man to rely upon. Furthermore, Daniel Birligea has the ability to help the Tricolours succeed in what will be a difficult and hostile atmosphere.
Turkey Vs Romania Predicted Lineups
Turkey predicted lineup:
Cakir; Celik, Akaydin, Demiral, Kadioglu; Calhanoglu, Yuksek; Aydin, Guler, Yildiz; Akturkoglu
Romania predicted lineup:
Radu; Ratiu, Burca, Ghita, Bancu; Tanase, Screciu, Dragomir; Man, Birligea, Hagi
Turkey Vs Romania Betting Angles
Key Match Stats
- Turkey have won four of their last six home games
- Romania have won on the road in their last three fixtures
- Romania has the stronger H2H record
Top Betting Angles for Turkey Vs Romania
- Match result and total goals: Turkey to win and over 2.5 goals is favored due to Turkey’s attacking prowess, their solid home record and Romania’s defensive frailties away from home
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS): While some analysts suggest No, others highlight that Romania has scored in seven of their last eight qualifiers and has often found the net despite losing, making Yes a compelling option given Turkey’s occasional defensive lapses
- Corners/Cards: Over 8.5 total corners is a strong angle, as Turkey’s high-pressure style frequently forces corner situations
Turkey Vs Romania Prediction
In this winner takes all play-off semi-final, we are going to lean on Turkey getting the job done in front of their fans. Their attacking stars will likely be too hot to handle and Romania’s defensive problems can expect to be exposed once more.
Prediction: Turkey 3-1 Romania
