A typically up and down history in the European Championships for Turkey, many instances of not qualifying including last time out in 2004 but they did reach the quarter finals in 2000 as the second placed side in the first round group stage, mostly courtesy of a win over nearest rivals Belgium. A 1st round exit in England in 1996 with three defeats in three games is infinitely less memorable.
Some high scoring wins during qualifying Group C almost weren't enough to take the Turks to Euro 2008 as Norway pushed them all the way for the second qualification spot behind Greece. Only one point separated the two sides in 2nd and 3rd place at the end and Turkey's 2 - 1 win away to Norway in their penultimate game was enough to finally edge them ahead. At the finals they will face hosts Switzerland, Czech Republic and Portugal in a fairly evenly matched group.
Fatih Terim is a former Turkish national team captain and one of Turkey's most celebrated club coaches after spells at his former club Galatasaray and with Fiorentina and AC Milan in Italy's Serie A. A coach who values discipline but encourages creative freedom, Terim is highly valued at home and abroad as one of European football's most tactically astute coaches.
A prolific goalscorer in three separate spells at his beloved Galatasaray, Hakan Suker is Turkey's record international goalscorer. Sitting second in the most capped player list as well, Suker may be 36 but his goals will still be vital to Turkish hopes.
Turkey's record capped player Rustu Recber is moving towards the twilight of his career but even at the age of 34 and injury ravaged, the big goalkeeper can still play a massive part in Turkey's Euro 2008 challenge. While Recber's temperament has frequently been questioned, his performances rarely have. The last throw of the dice for a Turkish legend.
