Turkey and France meet in Konya Büyükşehir Stadı, in a match for this phase of the Qualification Round for the European Championship (Qualifying Round). There is no record of direct confrontations between these two teams in the last 3 years. The last match was played on 05-06-2009 and ended with the score: France (1-0) Turkey. In this game the home factor may be decisive, as Turkey presents considerable differences in their results at home and as a visitor.
Turkey:
The home team arrives at this 3rd round of Group H in the 2nd position, with 6 points won, after 2 wins. In their first match in this group stage they won against Albania, by (0-2). In the 2nd round, they won at home against Moldova by (4-0). This is a team that usually makes good use of the home advantage, stronger with the help of its supporters, since in the last 30 matches they register 4 wins, 6 draws and 5 losses in away matches; against 9 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses at their stadium. In their last match, for the Friendlies, they beat Uzbekistan at home (2-0). In the last 10 home matches Turkey has won 5, tied 2 and lost 3. In their away matches there is a tendency for few goals, since 5 of the last 12 matches have ended with Under 1,5 goals. In 15 games, they only got 1 comeback in the 5 games in which they suffered the first goal. In the last 12 home matches for all competitions there is 1 period that stands out: they have scored 6 of their 15 goals between minutes (46′-60 ‘).
Turkey faces the powerful French team for the qualification phase of the European Championship. It will be a difficult duel and at the same time well played, because the two teams have the same points and are the first classified of the group. But Turkey will count as the local factor in their favor and that could make the difference. However, it is never easy to face the selection of France, current champion of the World Cup. Therefore, the coach will go in search of victory, but cautious, not to give points, because this will be a decisive match and who will be closer to confirm the classification. In their last match, the Turks beat Albania’s national team by 2×0.
France:
The visiting team arrives at this 3rd round of Group H in the 1st position, with 6 points won, after 2 wins. In their first match in this group stage they won out against Moldova by (1-4). In the 2nd round, they won at home against Iceland by (4-0). This is a team that usually maintains its competitive levels in home and away matches, since in the last 30 matches they register 8 wins, 5 draws and 2 losses in away matches, with 22 goals scored and 10 conceded; against 12 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss at their stadium, with 33 goals scored and 15 conceded. In the last match they played, for the Friendlies, they beat Bolivia at home by (2-0). In the last 9 away matches France has a record of 4 wins, 3 draws and 2 losses. Their offense has scored frequently, since they have scored goals in 8 of the last 10 matches.
The current world champion will face Turkey for the qualification phase of the European Championship. France, the leading team of the group, will not have an easy game against the Turks, because they are making an excellent campaign and are only behind the French team because of the difference in goals. However, the whole world is aware of the quality of France. It is definitely better technically and it becomes a little more favorite because of that. France will not measure efforts to achieve victory and to maintain the leadership of the group. In their last match, the French beat the Moldova team by the 4×1 score, far from the French dominions.
PREDICTION: France to win @ 1,55
