Turkey positive

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 his side can get off to a strong start 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."

Turkey will have to be at its best to see off a Netherlands side, which, despite being in a transitional phase following its dismal efforts at EURO 2012, still possesses plenty of quality in its ranks.

New coach Louis van Gaal, back for a second spell in charge, admits Turkey is a good side but believes a lack of concentration can sometimes prove its 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 is probably the best-placed nation to challenge pool favourites Holland and Turkey.

And it will expect to open with a three-point haul as it visits 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.