Why are Georgia, Khazakstan, Azerbaijan, Israel, and Turkey in the Euro

[acman319]

2008 qualifying? Aren't they in Asia? I know that part of Turkey (Istnabul) is in Europe, but the other nations are in Asia. Right? I mean is their really a definite answer as to what continent these nations belong to? Khazakstan and Sirael have to be considered in Asia. But Azerbaijan and Georgia's placement could be debated. What do you guys think?

[Panathenian_fan]

With what logic Azerbaijan's and Georgia's placements could be debated? Because they were part of the Soviet Union? Kazakhstan was also in such case.

[Basque Boy]

Perhaps it is because Georgia has ethnic and cultural ties to Europe. Een Kazakstan does to a degree. As for Turkey and Azerbaija. Any Euro connection in that regard is completely dominated by the Asian aspect of their culture and ethnicity so I wonder about them too.

[Basque Boy]

As for Isreal, I think it is a security issue and ties to Europe. All these guys would rather be in UEFA as it is the best division. Furthermore, these countries countries want all the benefits of Europe, even if some are not really European.

[Barish]

As for Turkey, its European territory is as large as Belgium, and its European population is higher than entire Greece.

[Basque Boy]

Macedonian is a mellow guy, but if you insult his Greek blood again like you did in that other thread, he'll simply ban you.

As for Turkey's Euro population, lets set the record straight. THe Euro blood still in Turkey is left over from the Greeks, Serbs, etc... of the children you kidnapped and put into the Janissaries and harems during hte Muslim occupation. Sure there are other ways some blood was left over, but that one is major. Even the Asian part of Turkey was inhabitted by Euros in big chunks eons before any Turk set foot there. So back off.

Now lets move to the 21st century. We would love to welcome Turkey into the modern era, but you are just not ready, couple that with your confusionof what a European is and presto, no EU for you. My people (the Basques) would get overrun in an instant with Turkey being able to roam freely throughout Europe. No, get your shit together then talk to me.

[Barish]

Spare me your racist nonsense and misguided view of Ottoman history please, Mr. Basque.

I was simply referring to Turks who happen to live in European Turkey, not Turks with blond hair and blue eyes.

[macedonian]

Easy Basque and Barish. I know you are talking out of emotion so it will be ignored. Barish, Basque Boy is no racist. Barish, your commenyts are heard, Basque, please learn from our new friend. I am Greek and welcome here, I hope you do the same. Barriers melt through sport, always remember that.

[shevchenko]

why don't we have Lebanon or Syria in there as well? i mean technically Russia is part of Asia just like Turkey and Kazakhstan...

[Barish]

Turkey, Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan... They all have territory in European continent.

If you are going to question anything, try Cyprus, Armenia or Israel as they have none.