The 1988 Euro champions Netherlands have been a huge disappointment in their European 2016 qualifiers campaign where they have won only three matches so far. They find themselves in an uncomfortable position in Group A with group toppers, Iceland, eight points ahead of them.
Netherlands are in the third position with 10 points and are closely followed by Turkey with nine points. With second-placed team, Czech Republic, having accumulated 16 points, Turkey and Netherlands seem to have fallen out of contention for automatic qualification.
Hence, these two sides should battle it out for the third place in the group, which makes Netherlands vs Turkey clash at Torku Arena in Sunday an even more interesting affair. The team, which finishes third in the group, will be involved in a play-off clash. Netherlands and Turkey are required to win in order to have any chances of making it to the Euro Cup in France.
With just one point separating the two teams, the team, which wins the game on Sunday, will be in a huge advantage for the crucial third post in the group.
"I hope on Sunday we'll get a good victory. If we [had] won [on Thursday], we would have had more options, but the atmosphere for the Netherlands game will be something else. It's our last chance. If we win, we'll have the advantage in the race for third place," Goal quoted Turkey's coach Fatih Terim as saying.
Terim is aware of the quality players involved in the Dutch team, which will make it difficult for the home team. Turkey could have their Euro 2016 dreams squashed if they lose to Netherlands, as they will be four points away from the third position with few games remaining.
"If we lose, it is over and we'll start to prepare for the World Cup. If we draw, we'll have hope for the last two games," said Terim.
However, things do not look too good for Netherlands with their key player Arjen Robben set to miss the crucial game due to thigh injury. They will depend on other experienced players such as Klas-Jan Huntelaar and Weisley Sneijder to deliver the goods against Turkey, which is a do-or-die game.
Netherlands have dug this hole for themselves after losing to Iceland in their last game, 1-0. Had they won, they could have been in a better position. New boss Danny Blind's side loss against Iceland has left them with an option to fight for the third place only.
"The reality is, now we have to go for the third place. That's the option we have left. This was certainly not the scenario that I had in mind for my first game as coach. The team showed a lot of confidence but I knew it could be a difficult game," said Blind.
"We now face climbing a mountain. I have to try and stimulate the team and we need to get some points."
Where to Watch Netherlands vs Turkey Live
The crucial Euro 2016 qualifiers between Netherlands vs Turkey is scheduled for 6pm local time (9:30pm IST, 5pm BST, 12pm ET) start with live coverage in India on Sony Kix with live streaming online on Livsports.
Viewers in the US can catch Netherlands vs Turkey match live on ESPN2 while the live stream option is on Watch ESPN while viewers in the UK can enjoy the live coverage of Netherlands vs Turkey match on Sky Sports with an option of going online on Sky Go.
Australian audience can catch Netherlands vs Turkey live on ESPN Australia.
Football fans in Turkey can watch the game on Show Tv.
