Euro 2016 qualifiers: Dutch cannot finish in Group A top two

In Euro 2016 qualifiers, the Netherlands faced Turkey away from home, Taobao agent with the Dutch side sorely needing a win after losing to Iceland three days ago. But in front of a raucous crowd of 40,000 Turkish fans creating a hostile atmosphere in the packed Konya Arena, the visiting team was on the back foot from the beginning.

Turkey attacked early, and in the seventh minute, they went on a rush off a defensive clearance. Oguzhan Ozyakup came flying forward to pass to Arda Turan who then sent Ozyakup through on a break away. A few touches and Ozyakup flicked it past goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen as the Dutch defence scrambled to no avail; 1-0 Turkey.

The Netherlands got a chance in the 22nd minute; Robin Van Persie passed the ball to Wesley Sneijder, who fired it at the keeper.

In the 26th minute, Turan surged into the penalty area and beat the keeper at the near post for a 2-0 lead. The arena burst into pandemonium with Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu showing his approval.

Burak Yilmaz then hammered a devastating nail into the Dutch coffin in the 86th minute with a third goal following a spectacular solo run down the left wing by Caner Erkin. The final score was 3-0 for Turkey and the Dutch can only finish third in Group A.

"The second goal was a mistake by one player. And then we were behind 2-nil quickly after that. We also had better opportunities compared to the Turkish team's chances, but they scored and we didn't; it's the story of the match. We had chances, but didn't score. We had three opportunities and no goals," said Danny Blind, Netherlands coach.

"There will be some other teams chasing us in the standings. But in order to help this country achieve its goal, we have to play as a team. And this is our national team. Please, we need all your support, your prayers and your energy for our team," Turkey coach Fatih Terim said.

Turkey 3 - Netherlands 0

Azzurri top Group H with 18 points

Meanwhile, Italy hosted Bulgaria in a Group H encounter.

The Azzurri quickly caught a break; after just four minutes, Antonio Candreva was fouled inside the opposition penalty area.
Daniele De Rossi stepped up and fired one home to give the host team the lead. His first effort was ruled no-good for encroachment, but he kept his cool on the second attempt, again sending his shot low to the keeper's left; 1-0 Italy.

Bulgaria got on the counter attack about 15 minutes later, but Gianliugi Buffon got a mitt on Iliyan Mitsanski's shot to keep the home team in front. Buffon looked good in his 150th Italy appearance.

Tempers flared 11 minutes into the second half when Mitsanski fouled De Rossi; the two exchanged kicks and were both sent off. The Italian was hit in the back and he lashed out with a kick.

Italy held on for a 1-0 win and now top Group H with 18 points.

Also on Sunday, Iceland drew with Kazakhstan 0-0 in Group A. In Group B, China Ebay Belgium beat Cyprus 1-0. Norway defeated Croatia 2-0 in Group H.