TERIM AIMS TO BE THIRD TIME LUCKY
VETERAN Turkey boss Fatih Terim is having a third shot at European glory.
Twenty years ago, he took Turkey to the finals of a major tournament for the first time when they qualified for Euro 96. In his second reign, they reached the semi-finals in 2008, only to lose to a last- DAVID SILVA is set to be confirmed as one of Spain’s greatest-ever players during the Euros.
The Manchester City midfielder has won 98 caps for his country during an international career that has seen Vicente Del Bosque’s La Roja lift the World Cup as well as two European Championships.
And, with a friendly against Georgia on Tuesday night, Silva could hit his ton in Spain’s opening Group D clash against Czech Republic in Toulouse on June 13.
The 30-year-old will be joining a select group of centurions, including team-mates Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas, as well as Xavi, Xabi Alonso, Andoni Zubizarreta, Raul, Fernando Torres and Carles Puyol.
But for Silva football has been about winning trophies rather than personal accolades – since the days when he kicked the ball around the streets of Gran Canaria as a kid.
“To win 100 caps would be fantastic, especially at the Euros,” said Silva, who scored Spain’s opener in the Euro 2012 final with a rare header as Italy were humbled 4-0 in Kiev.
“When I was a young boy playing on the streets in Arguineguin, I never thought I would play for Spain once – apart from in my dreams. My first kit was a keeper’s shirt. It was too big for me – and I soon realised that I was better with my feet than my hands.
“I watched Spain’s games on television and I hoped that one day it minute goal against Germany. Now 62-year-old Terim (left) is back for a third time, and said: “We want to do as well as we can – and even try to win it.”
His captain Arda Turan certainly has plenty to prove after a season with Barcelona that saw him branded the worst buy in La Liga.
The midfielder, who had to wait six months to make his Barca debut because the Catalan club were given a transfer ban, insists he is staying at the Nou Camp despite reports that he will be sold this summer.
But he intends to make his mark in France. “This is my chance to play in a big tournament and I intend to make the most of it,” said the 29-year-old. would be me, but to have played so many times during such an important period of success is a big thrill for me.
“But, as always, the dream is to win. Winning the Euros for the third time will be tough because there are so many great teams going to France.
“But that is the challenge and we have a team that is capable of beating anybody.”
Del Bosque believes Spain are favourites to emerge from the tournament as champions. It is a bold statement, especially after his team had their grip on the World Cup broken in Brazil by a shock elimination in the group stages. But Spain won nine of their 10 games in qualifying and the fact that Del Bosque has packed his squad with midfielders shows his game plan will continue to be based around the Barcelona way of dominating possession.
The Spain coach celebrated his 65th birthday in December – and immediately announced plans to retire at the end of the tournament.
After having his offer to resign rejected following Spain’s demise at the World Cup, the former Real Madrid defender and