Turkey Vs. Austria, Euro 2012 Qualifying: Arda Turan Goal Puts Hosts Ahead

Before a couple of disastrous league campaigns for Galatasaray, Arda Turan was one of the hottest properties in world football. Or at least, according to various blogs and rags. In any event, he’s become less of a coveted commodity in recent years, thanks to Galatasaray’s fall from grace and Turkey’s inability to qualify for the 2010 World Cup has reduced his value a bit. After watching the goal that he just scored against Austria to put his team ahead in their Euro 2012 qualifying match, it’s difficult to understand why.

The goal was assisted by a brilliant throw-in, combined with a terrible lapse in concentration by the Austrian defense. The throw went to Turan on the left wing, and he did well to turn it into a scoring chance. He cut inside from the left onto his right foot, beating a couple of defenders in the process. This set him up for a shooting opportunity from about 12 yards away from goal, and he finished well to give Turkey the lead.