European Qualifiers: Turkey earn first point with 1-1 draw with Latvia

Turkey secured their first point in Monday's European Qualifier, but were denied all three by a Valerijs Sabala penalty as Latvia secured a 1-1 draw in Riga.

Fatih Terim's side, defeated in their opening two Group A games by Iceland and the Czech Republic, took a 47th-minute lead through substitute Bilal Kisa at Skonto Stadion, but Sabala's spot-kick swiftly got the hosts back on level terms.

Latvia substitute Gints Freimanis was dismissed for a second bookable offence in stoppage time, but Turkey could not capitalise.

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Umut Bulut went closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half, his right-footed shot hitting the woodwork in the ninth minute.

Latvia goalkeeper Aleksandrs Kolinko was otherwise equal to everything the visitors could throw at the hosts, making solid saves from Olcay Sahan and Bulut.

Having passed up a hatful of chances before the interval, it did not take the Turks long after the restart to get on the scoresheet as Kisa - a 40th-minute replacement for Oguzhan Ozyakup - unleashed a powerful drive which sailed past Kolinko.

The lead lasted only seven minutes, however, before Sabala coolly converted from the spot after Ozan Tufan had brought down Aleksejs Visnakovs.

Turkey mustered the better of the remaining opportunities, but substitute Adem Sari saw his close-range attempt blocked by Kolinko just after the hour mark and Kisa and Arda Turan were off target when well placed.

Freimanis then received his marching orders at the death as the game petered out, leaving both sides still winless.