Avci upbeat ahead of qualifying campaign

Turkey coach Abdullah Avci is hoping his positive outlook will rub off on his players as they open their FIFA World Cup™ qualifying programme against Netherlands tomorrow night. Avci took over following Guus Hiddink's resignation in November last year and has presided over a mixed bag of results, a 3-1 friendly win in Portugal offset by an insipid 2-0 defeat to Austria last time out. But at the start of his first qualification period in charge, he is optimistic they can get off to a flier at the Amsterdam Arena. He said: "I'm emotional in nature. The word 'no' I do not know. I am someone who at the worst moments always tries to find a positive spin on it. My goal is to form a team that offers the fans entertaining football. "The players have to have fun. My philosophy is to win, no matter where you play. My players always display all their emotions and never just accept a loss. That is a big advantage." The visitors will have to be at their best to see off a Netherlands side, who, despite being in a transitional phase following their dismal efforts at Euro 2012, still possess plenty of quality in their ranks. New coach Louis van Gaal, back for a second spell in charge, admits Turkey are a good side but believes a lack of concentration can sometimes prove their downfall. He said: "They play like we do with a 4-3-3 system, but with the central midfielder further forward. "They are very good with the ball, both technically and tactically. But their players are occasionally careless and this is reflected in their game." Hungary are probably the best-placed nation to challenge pool favourites Netherlands and Turkey. They will expect to open with a three-point haul as they visit Andorra. Coach Sandor Egervari will rely heavily on dynamic winger Balazs Dzsudzsak and experienced skipper Zoltan Gera for the clash in La Vella. The other Group D clash in the opening round sees Romania visit Estonia. FIFA