New-look Germany faces Turkey
Match could be dangerous for defending European champs
Posted: Friday October 09, 1998 11:10 AM
| |
Bierhoff has been cleared to play after battling groin problems Clive Brunskill/Allsport |
ANKARA (Reuters) -- A new coach, new team and a series of injuries should go a long way to equalizing the playing field when Germany visits improving Turkey in a group three European championship qualifier on Saturday.
"Forming a new team and the injuries have put us in a difficult position. A draw would be a success," said new German coach Erich Ribbeck.
Germany's first choice strikers Oliver Bierhoff and Ulf Kirsten were both struggling with injuries ahead of the match in the western Turkish city of Bursa.
"If Bierhoff can't play it will be a big handicap for us. He is not only our goalscorer, he's the captain and my right hand man on the pitch," Ribbeck said. "But I think he will be able to play."
Ribbeck, appointed after Berti Vogts stepped down last month, had his options reduced from the outset with injuries forcing him to leave out four first choice players, including veteran libero Lothar Matthaeus and midfielder Thomas Strunz.
In their place the 61-year-old coach has chosen a string of uncapped players.
"I'm not afraid of bringing a newcomer to Turkey," he said.
And while the Turks are hoping the disruption works in their favor they are aware it could be a double-edged sword.
"Our biggest disadvantage is the changes brought into the German side. We don't know most of the new players brought in by Ribbeck," said Turkish coach Mustafa Denizli.
Among the new men he does know is midfielder Mustafa Dogan, an ethnic Turk who plays for Istanbul's Fenerbahce. He can expect a mixed reception from the highly patriotic Turkish fans in Bursa if he takes to the field for his debut in a German strip.
Another expatriate Turk, Switzerland's Kubilay Turkyilmaz, once refused to play for his national team against Turkey for fear of being branded a traitor.
"I wish Turkey and Germany hadn't been drawn in the same group. I have mixed feelings about it, but if Ribbeck gives me the chance, I'll do my best," said Dogan.
Turkey's record is dwarfed by that of Germany, but, inspired by increasing success in European club competitions and respectable international performances, Denizli believes his team is good enough take on the reigning champions.
"We are not afraid of the Germans. We are strong enough to beat them," he said.
Denizli can count on the notoriously hostile atmosphere created by the Turkish fans in Bursa, a ferry and a bus ride from the nearest international airport and unlikely to host many Germans.
It was in the same stadium that Turkey defeated The Netherlands 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier last year. The scorer on that occasion was striker Hakan Sukur, Turkey's top domestic marksman for two years running with 32 goals in 34 league games last season.
"Big Hakan" as he is known, can be lethal with his head or feet from close range, a danger acknowledged by his opponents.
"As a striker you cannot fault Hakan. We'll pay him close attention," said Oliver Bierhoff.
"I know Hakan. I'm going to take special precautions against this player," added Ribbeck.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.
| 
