The Euro 2024 quarterfinal defeat to the Netherlands left Turkey captain Hakan Çalhanoglu in tears. At 30 years old, this may have been his last chance at reaching the final of a major tournament. Watching their team let slip a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1, the thousands of Turkey fans who had crammed into Berlin’s Olympiastadion were understandably frustrated. Despite the defeat, there is cause for optimism for those who have followed Turkey’s campaign so fervently. The challenge for this group is to build on their achievements and aim for bigger and better things in the future.
Turkey has experienced highs and lows in major tournaments, with standout performances in the semifinals of the World Cup in 2002 and Euro 2008. However, these successes have been anomalies in their tournament history. The goal for this young and exciting squad is to make such achievements the norm and establish themselves as consistent contenders on the international stage. With a home Euros coming up in 2032, there is an opportunity to create a lasting legacy for Turkish football.
A Bright Future Ahead
Despite the disappointment of the quarterfinal exit, there are promising signs for the future of Turkish football. Players like Arda Güler and Kenan Yildiz have shown flashes of brilliance and with a young squad, the potential for growth is significant. Güler, in particular, has stood out as a star player, showcasing his talent with a goal and an assist at Euro 2024. His performance against the Netherlands highlighted his potential to become a top player on the international stage.
While Turkey’s attacking threat was evident, their defensive stability was called into question during Euro 2024. Conceding eight goals in five games, including five in the group stage, highlighted the need for improvement at the back. The lack of game management in crucial moments proved costly in the quarterfinal defeat, emphasizing the importance of developing a well-rounded team that can compete at the highest level.
A Lesson in Experience
Head coach Vincenzo Montella acknowledged the need for more experience at the international level, emphasizing that managing games in key moments requires maturity and composure. Despite the disappointment of the defeat, Montella sees the Euro 2024 campaign as a building block for the future of Turkish football. With young talents like Güler leading the way, there is hope that Turkey can continue to grow and improve in the years to come.
While the quarterfinal defeat at Euro 2024 may have been a heartbreaking experience for Turkey and their fans, it should serve as a lesson in building for the future. By learning from their mistakes, improving their defensive stability, and nurturing their young talents, Turkey can establish themselves as a consistent force in international football. The foundation has been laid, and with the right mindset and determination, the future looks bright for Turkish football.