By Yasin Yagci
KATWIJK, Netherlands
Dutch midfielder and captain Wesley Sneijder says that the Netherlands want a win against Turkey in their UEFA Euro 2016 qualification match in Amsterdam on Saturday, despite the squad being dogged by injuries.
Talking to AA on Wednesday, the Galatasaray star stated that they will try to do their best against Turkey despite the absence of the two regulars, Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie.
Sneijder added that absence of the two stars will make him take extra responsibilities.
"The match will be absolutely tough but we have great confidence to win and we want to win," Sneijder said.
"We will make a big effort so that the absence of the two players will not affect us negatively and cause a disadvantage. The importance of the two players [Robben and van Persie] is known.
“We are a very good team and we will not disappoint our fans. I am sure that those who will play in place of them will carry out their duty in the best way," added Sneijder.
Emphasizing that playing at home is an important advantage for the Netherlands, Sneijder said that Turkey is better than Group A rivals Latvia.
The Galatasaray ace said that they will pressurize Turkey during the game.
Saying that Turkey could be dangerous while they possess the ball, Sneijder pointed out: "We should make efforts to avoid it. This match is fairly important for Turkey too. In the case that they lose the match, everything will be over for them.
“But we should not lose the match as well. So we will play to win."
Sneijder also said that playing against his teammates at Galatasaray would be a very special feeling for him.
The Netherlands will host Turkey in the Group A match at Amsterdam Arena on Saturday. The game kicks off at 20:45 CET (1945 GMT).
Having collected four points so far in Group A, Turkey is in a critical situation in the group, which is led by the Czech Republic with 12 points. The Netherlands have six points and are in third place.
