View Turkey/China Best Odds
China are already out this World Cup but will be eager to give a good account of themselves in their last game of their first ever World Cup competition. However, in terms of having something to play for, it is Turkey who have it all to do.
Turkey (30/100 to win this game) in their first game against Brazil put in a good performance that impressed all observers. It was a decent all-round showing as the defence dismantled much of the Brazilian pressure, and in possession the Turkish players were very comfortable on the ball and created a few excellent chances. Hasan Sas and Yildiray Basturk in particular caused Brazil the most problems. It was only due to a superb Brazil display that meant that Turkey had to lose the game.
Turkey were not as strong though in their second showing at the 2002 World Cup. They were expected to beat Costa Rica but had to settle for a disappointing 1-1 final score. The Turks made some good early running and Suker really should have done better with two great scoring chances. Once Turkey took the lead though, their grip of the game appeared to slip. The Turks appeared to tire and as this happened the defence started to look increasingly vulnerable and the equaliser came as little surprise.
If Turkey manage to focus on their good points which were spells of good play against Costa Rica, an all-round good performance versus Brazil and some good individual performances in both games then Turkey should run out comfortable winners. However, the team will have to heal a few rifts if this is to happen as Hakan Suker has blamed his team’s poor showing on the midfielders – accusing them of playing for themselves rather than the team.
China (11/1 to win) meanwhile will just be happy with a respectful score-line and also perhaps their first ever tournament goal. They were poor in their opening game against Costa Rica, but in their second game versus Brazil the team showed more determination and character – their manager Bora Milutinovic even acknowledged that he was proud of the passion his team showed.
However, the Chinese have been totally outclassed and this was demonstrated in their two games’ statistics: China had only had a total of five shots on target whilst allowing their respective opposition fifteen shots on target. Also, the fact that the Serb manager praised his team following a 4-0 drubbing, shows the gulf in class. If Turkey play to anyway near their potential they should easily win.
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