Akturkoglu edges Turkey through to end Kosovo hopes of World Cup finals debut

When Kosovo had run out of last chances, they sunk to the floor as one. They had taken Turkey the distance, every drop of perspiration spent and the once unthinkable prospect of a World Cup spot remaining real until Michael Oliver finally called time.

The emotion was overwhelming, Lumbardh Dellova among the players clearly covering up tears. In the end Edon Zhegrova, the playmaker whose introduction from the bench had sparked a late flurry of pressure, beckoned his teammates to face their support. They had nothing to fear, departing to an ovation from a crowd who had been allowed the giddiest of fantasies.