Turkey Survives Romania to Advance in UEFA World Cup Qualifying Playoff.

Turkey Survives Romania to Advance in UEFA World Cup Qualifying Playoff.

Highlights.

Turkey moved within one game of ending its long World Cup absence as Ferdi Kadioglu's second-half goal secured a 1-0 win over Romania in their playoff semi-final in Istanbul. This was thanks to a moment of brilliance from Arda Guler.

In a high-stakes encounter at Besiktas Park, the deadlock was broken in the 53rd minute when Real Madrid midfielder Guler produced a superb pass to pick out Kadioglu. Kadioglu controlled the ball and finished expertly to give the hosts the lead.

This goal proved decisive in a tight contest between two sides seeking a return to the World Cup for the first time since 2002.

Turkey grew in confidence after going ahead and came close to doubling its advantage shortly afterwards. Juventus' Kenan Yildiz cut in from the left and hit the crossbar with a superb curling shot. Romania, who had kept the hosts at bay in a cautious first half, pushed forward in search of an equalizer. However, they were unable to break through as Turkey held firm to see out the victory.

The win sends Turkey into the playoff final on March 31, where it will face Slovakia or Kosovo for a place at the 2026 World Cup.