Irish face Turkey task
Tuesday, July 29, 2003
Article summary
Republic of Ireland will play Turkey on 9 September ahead of crucial UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifying fixtures.
Article body
Play-off meeting
The match will bring back memories of the teams' last fixture - in the qualifying play-offs for UEFA EURO 2000™. Then the first leg in Dublin was drawn 1-1 before a scoreless return took Turkey through on away goals.
Crucial qualifiers
Brian Kerr's Irish side currently lie second in Group 10, two points behind Switzerland, and the friendly at Landsdowne Road, Dublin comes three days after a home qualifier against Russia. Turkey, who currently lead Group 7 two points ahead of England, play Liechtenstein the previous Saturday.
Basel trip
Ireland visit Switzerland for their final fixture in Basel on 11 October, the same day Turkey face England in Istanbul. Kerr's team next play Australia on 19 August, also in Dublin.