Mehmet Topal describes how Turkey should block the “tricolors” in the World Cup play-off: “That would be the plan” + What the Montella duel will look like

Mehmet Topal, 39, went through two terms on the bench of Petrol, where he began his coaching career in 2024. The former captain of Turkey, 81 caps/2 goals, left a favorable impression in Romania, and now, from the shores of the Bosphorus, he speaks to GSP about the tie with Romania.

A national team led by Mircea Lucescu, with whom Topal worked as a player for the Ottoman national team in his last year in the “Semilunei” shirt.

“Turkey's strengths: home advantage and fan support”

– Mister Topal, how do you rate this draw and who do you think is the favorite for the match in Istanbul? Why?
– Turkey and Romania are two close teams in terms of playing style. Both rely on physical strength, rhythm and determination. Therefore, it would not be correct to call any of them “easy opponent”. But, in my opinion, the favorite will be Turkey. There are two main reasons: home field advantage and fan support.

Romania will play the tie with Turkey probably at “Ali Sami Yen”, Galatasaray's stadium, an arena-inferno for the opponents. Photo: Imago

– Can you elaborate?
– At home, Turkey always play with more pace, pressure and control. It is then about the increased quality of the batch in the last period. We have a young and dynamic group that can change the course of the match in our favor. However, Romania is a disciplined team, strong defensively, so it won't be an easy game. It's a country that loves football, and the players will be very motivated.

“Lucescu knows the style of some players, but Turkey is different compared to when he was a coach”

Mircea Lucescu led the Turkish national team between 2017 and 2019

– Is it an advantage for Romania that Mircea Lucescu trained and released some of today's Turkish players during his time as a coach in Istanbul?
– The fact that Lucescu trained some of the current players of the Turkish national team can be an advantage for Romania, we cannot deny it. He knows their style of play and has some pointers on how to approach the match. But Turkey is now completely different, with a mature and prepared squad. We are playing at home, with the fans on our side, and we will have a young and confident group on the field.

– What will be the key battle on the field?
– In midfield. Whoever controls that area also controls the tempo of the match. The physical battle will also be important, especially in second balls and direct duels. But also one-on-one duels and transitions can decide the fate of the match. If we are disciplined, move the ball quickly and capitalize on the opponent's mistakes, we will have an advantage.

We are playing in Turkey, with the fans behind us, and we will give everything to control the game. Of course, Romania will also come to win, so it will be a spectacular match

– Mehmet Topal, former Turkey international

“Lucescu – discipline and exploiting mistakes. Montella – offensive, increased pace”

Vincenzo Montella, the coach of Turkey // photo: Imago

– How do you see the tactical duel between Montella and Lucescu?
– It will be something really interesting. Both are experienced coaches but with different philosophies. Lucescu emphasizes discipline, hard duels and rhythm control by exploiting the opponent's mistakes. Montella prefers an offensive game, high tempo and quick movement of the ball. However, the real duel will be between the players. They will decide: who concentrates better, who wins duels, who reacts faster after losing possession.

– Do you think that the current style of the Turkish national team is suitable for a high-stakes match like a play-off?
– Yes. That's because the team is disciplined, the players trust each other and don't give up the fight. If we control the midfield and use quick and organized transitions, we can catch Romania on the counter. Of course, in such matches concentration is essential. You can't forgive mistakes, every phase counts.

Romania is a strong, disciplined team, and the players are very well prepared physically. I rarely make mistakes. They have an experienced coach who knows his group well and organizes the team excellently. They will come to win and they will mentally prepare for it. Romania is capable of producing surprises

– Mehmet Topal, former Turkey international

“Decisive will be the players who will dictate the pace in midfield”

Hakan Calhanoglu, Chivu's “man” at Inter, will be one of Turkey's weapons against Romania

– Which Turkish players can be decisive in the double with Romania?
– I say it clearly: the players who will dictate the rhythm in the midfield will be decisive. Also, in attack we have people capable of changing the score and making the difference in key moments. Their evolution can tip the balance in our favor. Turkey today has a team that combines experience and youth very well and can keep control in their own hands through concentration and motivation.

– If you were the coach of Turkey, what details and which Romanian players would you pay particular attention to in such a decisive game?
– The priority would be Romania's key players. I would mark the playmakers tightly in midfield and try to make their transitions difficult. In attack, I would block those who can create chances out of nothing to limit their space and options. In defense I would keep a strict organization, without errors, and I would not give the opponents a chance for second balls or duels. But the most important thing would be to implement your own game plan. We will perform at home and we want to control the game. Limiting Romania's strengths will not be easy, but it is essential.