Two nations that have been away from the World Cup finals for far too long meet in the semi-final qualification match, when Turkey entertain Romania on Thursday, March 26, at the Tupras Stadium in Istanbul.
The home side's last appearance at the global showpiece was back in 2002, which means they will hope that they can capitalise on being in front of their fans to get over the line and into the final.
Romania's story is similar, except that it has been 28 years since their last World Cup appearance, and their form suggests they can cause an upset here and in the final.
Explore our Turkey vs Romania betting tips below, and don't forget to check out more of our betting tips today!
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Turkey vs Romania key stats
- Turkey scored seven of their last eight goals before the hour mark.
- Five of Turkey's last six games produced more than three goals.
- The visitors found the back of the net at least once in each of their last eight away trips.
Turkey vs Romania preview: Home advantage to be the difference
| Turkey | vs | Romania |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd | Position | 3rd |
| 13 | Points | 13 |
| 17 | Goals For | 19 |
| 12 | Goals Against | 10 |
| 1 | Clean Sheets | 1 |
| 2nd | Home Rank | 2nd |
| 2nd | Away Rank | 3rd |
Turkey manager Vincenzo Montella has overseen a productive period for the team, and they delivered strong value for their second-place finish in Group E of World Cup Qualifying behind Spain.
Their previous two internationals on home soil were comfortable triumphs against Bulgaria and Georgia, forming an impressive run of seven victories in 10 internationals in Turkey.
Turkey and Romania have alternated wins across their last five meetings.
Montella's men only suffered a defeat to the number-one-ranked team in the world - Spain - in that sequence of matches, meaning they are heavy favourites heading into Thursday night's fixture.
The hosts have also been impressive at any venue, going unbeaten in their last four such games, but they are lacking one of their best defenders, Caglar Soyuncu, who will miss out on this one through injury.
Orkun Kokcu will be crucial for the host, as he notched up an assist the last time out against Spain, while his domestic form for Besiktas is encouraging, with three goal contributions across his last two club appearances.
Romania's form is eerily similar to Turkey's, as they have also won three of their last four internationals, with their most recent outing being a 7-1 rout of San Marino, which should give them a confidence boost.
Only three teams were fouled more than Romania's 113 in the group stage.
The Tricolours finished their qualifying group in third place, and have got to this phase with excellent form, but their Achilles heel has been away from home.
Mircea Lucescu’s men have not won an away match for the last 12 months, losing twice and drawing once in that year; however, if they are to progress to the World Cup next year, they need to start getting comfortable with their travels.
Apart from this one being on the road, the winner of this semi-final will have to visit either Slovakia or Kosovo in the final for a chance to book their ticket to next year's showpiece.
The visitors will be without their first-choice goalkeeper, Andrei Radu, who picked up a calf injury playing for Celta Vigo ahead of this international break.
Turkey vs Romania form guide & betting tips
| Turkey | vs | Romania |
|---|---|---|
| L-W-W-W-D | Form | D-W-W-L-W |
| 14 | Goals For | 13 |
| 10 | Goals Against | 7 |
| L-W-W-W-D | World Cup Qualifiers form | W-D-W-L-W |
Whisper predicts: Turkey 2-1 Romania
Playing at home, it is no surprise that Turkey are favoured to win this semi-final, but at 1.40 odds, there is not much value in it.
With Romania winning three of the last five head-to-heads, including their most recent meeting in 2017, it is worth considering an outside bet for an away victory at 7.00.
BTTS - Yes at 1.95 is slightly better in value than opting for a home victory, and the chances of it happening are high, with both teams producing double-figures across their previous five outings.
The Turkish side is filled with attacking gems that you can back as anytime goalscorers, including Kokcu at 3.40, Kenan Yildiz at 2.75, or Arda Guler at 2.60.
> 1x2 - Turkey at 1.40 | Likelihood: Probable
> 1x2 - Romania at 7.00| Likelihood: Long shot
> BTTS - Yes at 1.95 | Likelihood: Probable
> Anytime goalscorer - Orkun Kokcu at 3.40 | Likelihood: Possible
> Anytime goalscorer - Kenan Yildiz at 2.75 | Likelihood: Probable
> Anytime goalscorer - Arda Guler at 2.60 | Likelihood: Probable