Terim: Turkey are chasing a miracle

The 60-year-old got off to a winning start against Andorra on Friday but knows their qualifying hopes hang in the balance with just three games remaining

Faith Terim says Turkey are chasing a miracle in hoping to qualify for the World Cup, but insists they still have a chance with three games left to play.

The Galatasaray coach took over from Abdullah Avci over the summer on an interim basis and got off to the perfect start with a 5-0 win over Andorra on Friday.

Despite the win, Turkey sit in fourth place in group D, three points adrift of Romania, who they face in a crunch clash on Tuesday.

"Of course, achieving the impossible has always been my target but what we are chasing is a miracle now," Terim told Fifa.com.

"I am aware that performing this miracle depends not just on time but also several other factors.

"If we prepare well, work hard and reflect those efforts on the field, I am fully confident that we can achieve our miracle. I will certainly put all my efforts towards this and pray for it to happen.

"However, our main priority is the Romania game and we are fully concentrated on that."

Terim said he did not have to think twice when approached about the national job, and insists that despite a poor qualifying campaign, the future is bright for Turkish football.

"My principle has always been to respond positively when national duty calls. After receiving the offer from the Turkish Football Federation, I approached the matter with this philosophy and the result is that I’m now in charge of the team," he continued.

"Turkey have already shown what they are capable of with their past achievements and established their position in world football. With all my heart, I believe that we have significant potential.

"However, raw potential won’t deliver the results you need. What we need is to properly handle our talent and to combine smooth physical and psychological performance with world-class technique and tactical knowledge."