Stefan Kuntz is allowed to remain as team boss of the Turkish national football team after the embarrassment in the Faroe Islands. Hamit Altintop, who sits on the board of the Turkish Football Association, told media representatives yesterday that the German would not be replaced.
Turkey had already secured promotion from League C of the Nations League before losing 2-1 to the island kickers on Sunday. At home there was harsh criticism of the appearance. The Turkish press stated that the Faroe Islands’ population of around 49,000 people is 1,726 times smaller than that of Turkey. “There are more sheep than people on this island,” wrote the sports newspaper “Fanatik”.
Turkey had only managed a 3:3 draw against Luxembourg last week. Kuntz has been the coach of the selection since September last year. His record from twelve games now stands at seven wins, two draws and three defeats.
“We’ve picked up speed under the new coach and we’ve improved. The last two games have given us food for thought. But we’re sticking with the coach,” said Altintop.
Viljormur Davidsen (51′) and Jóan Edmundsson (59′) scored for the hosts in Torshavn. The goal from Serdar Gürler (89th) came too late. After the game, Gürler reported a “funeral mood” in the dressing room. “There’s no excuse. We didn’t fight.”
Netherlands in the final-4
In addition to Croatia, the Netherlands have now also qualified for the Final 4 tournament for the title in the Nations League. Louis van Gaal’s team won the last group match against Belgium 1-0 (73′) with a goal from Liverpool star defender Virgil van Dijk. The soon to be 39-year-old Ajax goalkeeper Remko Pasveer made his second international appearance for the Oranjes. He made his debut on Thursday in a 2-0 win in Poland. So he’s still without a goal.
Portugal need a draw against Spain (two points behind) in the group final today (8.45 p.m., DAZN) to be the first to climb.
Source: Nachrichten
