Bosnia 1 - Turkey 1

Turkish national team had a disastrous score against Bosnia on an away game and lost its chances (I think) to qualify for World Cup 2010.

The team started well, but couldn't sustain its calmness during the game. As a result, they ended up losing their concentration and tactical discipline.

Panathinaikos:1 Galatasaray:3

Galatasaray beat Panathinaikos 1-3 in an away game. The team generally was lucky. Two crucial mistakes by Pana defenders decided the result. But what was really important was Galatasaray's self-confidence and decisiveness in staying in the game.

The Rijkaard File: Galatasaray's Coach Changes the Course of Events for the Team

Frank Rijkaard has enjoyed an absolutely brilliant start with Galatasaray. The team has NOT lost one single game since he has been appointed. Won all the 6 games in the Super League and qualified to the group stage in UEFA Europa league. Along with his assistant, Johan Neeskens, he has probably created the best coaching staff in club's history.

He applies a similar tactic as of Barcelona. With too many passes and ball possession he tires the opponent and relies on the individual talent of attackers. This has proved quite successful so far.

Here is his ideal squad for the team:

Leo Franco

Sabri Sarioglu,
Gokhan Zan,
Servet Cetin,
Hakan Balta

Ayhan Akman,
Mustafa Sarp

Kader Keita,
Arda Turan,
Harry Kewell

Milan Baros

Besiktas Faces VERY VERY Tough Days...

Besiktas has started this season in a terrible fashion collecting 6 points in 6 games. Additionally, after losing against Galatasaray 3-0 in the league, they lost against Manchester United at a home game by 1-0. Mustafa Denizli, team's coach declared in a press conference that he may resign.

The club has transferred Rodrigo Tabata and Ismail Koybasi from Gaziantepspor and loaned Ibrahim Kas from Getafe.

Here is the game against Manchester United:

Ankaraspor Relegated to a Lower Division

Turkcell Super League team Ankaraspor has been relegated to the lower First Division by the Turkish Football Association. Ankaraspor board agreed a merger with Ankaragucu during the season, which was found dubious by the federation.

Ankaraspor has been an interesting team in Turkish Football. They were indirectly supported by Ankara Municipal and coached by famous German manager Jurgen Rober. Also, prior to the federation's decision, they had sent their best player to Ankaragucu.

This is how Reuters covered the story:

By Daren Butler

ISTANBUL, Sept 15 (Reuters) - Ankaraspor were demoted to the Turkish second division on Tuesday over the club's links to top flight rivals Ankaragucu, which the country's football authorities said were anti-competitive.

A probe was launched last week into the relationship between the two clubs from the country's capital after the son of the city's mayor was appointed chairman of Ankaragucu.

The mayor is honorary chairman of Ankaraspor and the move fuelled speculation about a bid to merge the two clubs. The Turkish Football Federation ordered the process be halted.

"The Professional Football Disciplinary Committee (PFDK) decided to relegate Ankaraspor by one division over its relationship with Ankaragucu... ruling that it was contrary to sporting competitiveness," the PFDK ruling said.

The chairmen of Ankaraspor and Ankaragucu were suspended from their duties for six months. Ankaragucu were not relegated but the club's board members were suspended for three months.

Last weekend's match between Ankaraspor and Kayserispor was postponed because of the investigation.

Ankaraspor and Ankaragucu were 14th and 15th respectively in the Turkish championship before Tuesday's ruling.


Source: http://football.uk.reuters.com/european/news/LF566919.php