ኮሶቮ ከ ቱርክ

Turkey are heading to the World Cup for the first time since 2002 after Kerem Aktürkoglu struck the only goal in a tense 1-0 playoff final victory over Kosovo in Pristina on Tuesday night. The forward's 53rd-minute finish, a cool right-footed effort from close range after a slick assist from Orkun Kökçü, was all that separated the sides. The first half had ended goalless, with a sold-out Fadil Vokrri Stadium roaring Kosovo forward in search of a historic first-ever World Cup appearance. But Aktürkoglu silenced the home crowd early in the second half, and Turkey held firm despite late pressure. For Kosovo, it's a heartbreaking end to a remarkable playoff run that included a thrilling 4-3 win over Slovakia in the semis. For Turkey, it's a date with the United States, Paraguay, and Australia in Group D this summer.