Coach Stefan Kuntz narrowly averted an embarrassment with the Turkish national football team and thus managed to get promoted directly to League B of the Nations League.
In Istanbul, Turkey came against the world number 93. Luxembourg after three deficits to a 3: 3 (2: 2). The Turks missed the fifth victory in the current competition.
Marvin Martins (9th) scored after a major mistake in the Turkish defense to surprisingly lead the guests. Cengiz Ünder (16th) quickly equalized the favorite with a penalty kick. Danel Sinani (37′) restored Luxembourg’s old lead, and an own goal by Maxime Chanot (39′) ensured the Turks responded again.
Gerson Rodrigues (69th) scored the outsider’s third opening goal. Ismail Yüksek (87th) prevented the sensation just before the final whistle.
Bundesliga professional Ozan Kabak from TSG Hoffenheim did not play for the Turks, who missed out on qualifying for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar (November 20 to December 18) last March.