Turkiye will slot into Group D at the FIFA World Cup and face the Socceroos in Vancouver in their opening match on June 14, joining USA and Paraguay, back on this stage for the first time in 24 years.
A 53rd minute goal from Kerem Akturkoglu was enough to edge Kosovo in a thrilling World Cup playoff in Pristina.
RE-LIVE HOW IT UNFOLDED: Kosovo 0, Turkiye 1 in our live blog
Turkiye dominated in possession but Kosovo were gallant and sharp in transition, with Fisnik Asllani’s stunning first half strike, requiring a brilliant save from Ugurcan Cakir, the best chance either side enjoyed in the first period.
But heartbreak struck for the hosts when Akturcoglu turned a fantastic sweeping move in at the back post. It looked like he was off side, but, after a minute’s delay, the goal was given.
The game had opened up for a moment prior to the breakthrough and Turkiye made Kosovo pay with a move starting at their keeper, with Arda Guler and Orkan Kokcu moving the ball downfield between the lines expertly.
Juventus star Kenan Yildiz was brilliant all night, and a constant danger down the left; he squared it to Kokcu who had continued his run. It looked like he’d scuffed his shot but it trickled to the striker at the back post to prod home. 1-0.
The hosts pushed gallantly and Asllani forced Cakir into more fine work in the final stages, but it was to no avail.
TURKIYE WORLD CUP FIXTURES
Times AEST.
Australia v Turkiye, 14 June, 2pm
Turkiye v Paraguay, 20 June, 2pm
Turkiye v USA, 26 June, 12pm
