Burak proves a great leader
HOLLAND got their World Cup qualifying campaign off to the worst possible start as they crashed to a 4-2 defeat in Turkey.
Veteran captain Burak Yilmaz was the hero in Istanbul, netting a hat-trick to ensure a late rally from Frank de Boer’s side counted for nothing.
Yilmaz opened the scoring in the 14th minute of the Group G match with a deflected shot before adding a second from the
■ penalty spot. The game looked to be over when Hakan Calhanoglu added the third a few seconds into the second half.
But two goals in as many minutes from Davy Klaassen and Luuk de Jong gave the Dutch hope of a late comeback.
But their momentum was ended by a stunning free-kick from Yilmaz that completed his hat-trick.
Norway’s players, including Borussia Dortmund sensation Erling Haaland, warmed up for their game against Gibraltar wearing T-shirts bearing the message: “RESPECT – on and off the pitch” and “HUMAN RIGHTS – on and off the pitch” in reference to the plight of migrant workers in World Cup hosts Qatar.
Norway cruised to a 3-0 win but Arsenal fans will have cause for concern after Martin Odegaard was withdrawn at half-time after appearing to twist his ankle.
West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek carried over his sparkling club form to his country, bagging a hat-trick as Czech Republic thrashed Estonia 6-2.
World champions France could only draw with Ukraine in Paris, Antoine Griezmann’s first-half strike cancelled out by Presnel Kimpembe’s own goal after the break.