Turkey had a bitter end to their Euro 2024 campaign as they let a one-goal lead slip against Netherlands in the quarterfinal. Despite a tenacious display, the Turkish side could not hold on to their advantage, eventually losing the match and being sent home from the tournament.
The Turkish captain, Hakan Çalhanoglu, highlighted the team’s defensive vulnerabilities as a major factor in their loss. After taking a first-half lead, Turkey conceded two goals in quick succession, ultimately leading to their downfall. Çalhanoglu acknowledged that sitting back after taking the lead was a common trend in the tournament but admitted that it cost them dearly in this match.
Looking ahead to the future, Çalhanoglu emphasized the importance of learning from this experience. With Turkey set to co-host the tournament in 2032, he believes that the team can use this setback as motivation to improve and achieve better results in the future. The unity and togetherness of the team were highlighted as key factors in their success.
Several Turkish players expressed their gratitude towards the fans for their unwavering support throughout the tournament. Playing in front of a raucous crowd of Turkish supporters in Berlin, the team felt like they were the home team in every match. The motivation provided by the fans was acknowledged as a driving force behind the team’s performance.
Despite the disappointment of exiting the tournament, the Turkish players remain optimistic about the future. Midfielder Orkun Kökçü, who was suspended for the quarterfinal clash, expressed his sadness at the result but highlighted the pride the team felt in their overall performance. He echoed Çalhanoglu’s sentiments about building towards success in upcoming tournaments.
Turkey’s defeat in the Euro 2024 quarterfinal was a tough pill to swallow, but it serves as a valuable learning experience for the team. By addressing their defensive vulnerabilities, staying united, and drawing motivation from their fans, the Turkish side can regroup and strive for better results in the future tournaments.