Turkey ended their goal drought as substitute Kaan Ayhan steered in a winner deep into stoppage time to secure a 3-2 win over the United States. Auston Trusty and Sebastian Berhalter scored early in each half for the co-hosts in Los Angeles, either side of goals from Arda Guler and Baris Yilmaz, but Ayhan had the final say to restore some Turkish pride despite finishing bottom of Group D.
Read more
Miguel Almiron became the first player to be sent off for covering his mouth during an altercation with an opponent, but Paraguay clung on for a 1-0 World Cup win over Turkey. The former Newcastle player was dismissed following a VAR review in first-half stoppage time. Almiron had covered his mouth while speaking to Turkey’s Baris Yilmaz. Matias Galarza gave Paraguay a second-minute lead as he collected a pass from Julio Enciso and fired a low effort into the bottom corner from 20 yards.
Read more
Australia provided the surprise result so far of the 2026 World Cup as they began their Group D campaign with a 2-0 win over Turkey in Vancouver. It was a highly organised and clinical display from Tony Popovic’s side, who withstood their opponent’s dominance of the ball and struck with a goal in each half from Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe. The match turned on a moment in the 27th minute. Arda Guler’s header was saved low by goalkeeper Patrick Beach – making his competitive international debut – and in a flash Irankunda was released to race away from the defence and slot into the corner at the other end.
Read more
The Netherlands came from behind to see off Turkey and set up a semi-final against England at Euro 2024. An own goal from Mert Muldur, bundling the ball over his goalline under pressure from Cody Gakpo, meant the Dutch clawed back the lead having trailed at the break. Centre-back Samet Akaydin had deservedly put Turkey in front when he headed in Arda Guler’s dinked cross, capping an impressive first-half display.
Read more
Merih Demiral scored twice – including the quickest knockout-stage goal in European Championship history – as Turkey stunned Austria to set up a quarter-final with the Netherlands. This was arguably the best game of the tournament so far, a thrilling winner-takes-all tie played in pouring rain at a frenetic pace, with both teams roared forward by their fervent support. From Demiral’s first goal in the first minute to a stunning save by Turkey goalkeeper Mert Gunok to deny Austria an equaliser in the last, there was barely time for the crowd to draw a breath.
Read more