Kerem Akturkoglu Hat-Trick Powers Turkiye to Victory Over Iceland

Turkey's supporters wave flags prior the Euro 2020 football qualification match between Turkey and France at the Buyuksehir Belediyesi stadium in Konya, on June 8, 2019. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

Türkiye secured a 3-1 victory over Iceland in their UEFA Nations League group match, thanks to a hat-trick from Kerem Akturkoglu.

Akturkoglu, who recently transferred from Galatasaray to Benfica, opened the scoring for Türkiye early in the match.

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Iceland’s Victor Palsson equalized before Akturkoglu scored two more goals to seal the win for Türkiye.

The Benfica man now has nine goals in 36 international caps for the Turkish national team.

Akturkoglu only just completed his €12m move from Galatasaray to Benfica last week on 3 September 2024.

The winger nicknamed the Turkish Harry Potter will make his Benfica debut after returning from international duty.

Akturkoglu could make his debut against Santa Clara on Saturday September on 14 September.

He will be joining fellow Turkish international Orkun Kokcu at the Portuguese giants.

With this victory, Türkiye moved to the top of Group B4 with four points. Wales, who defeated Montenegro 2-1, are in second place with four points.

Iceland is in third with three points, and Montenegro is at the bottom of the group.

Turkiye face Montenegro at home next on 11 October and then Iceland on 14 October away from home.

The Turkish national team could end up topping the group if they win the next two games.