Türkiye triumphantly clinched their spot in Euro 2024 as Group D leaders, marking a historic milestone as they qualified for a major tournament as group winners for the first time.
Despite an early setback against Wales, Türkiye’s unwavering determination and Yusuf Yazıcı’s crucial penalty secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw, solidifying their top position.
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Coach Vincenzo Montella’s tactical brilliance and the team’s impressive depth were evident throughout the qualifiers, culminating in a remarkable three-game winning streak before the Wales draw.
Under Montella’s stewardship Turkiye beat Croatia for the first time away from home, beat Latvia 4-1 and beat Germany for the first time away from home in 72 years with a 3-2 victory.
Montella transformed the national team in a short space of time reinvigorating a team devoid of ideas and confidence.
Turkiye have been drawn into pot two for the Euro 2024 draw along with Hungary Denmark Albania Austria and Romania. The draw will take place in December.
Wales vs Turkiye
Wales: Ward; Lockyer, Rodon, Davies; Roberts, Ampadu, James, N.Williams (Moore 85); Wilson (D.James 80), Broadhead (Brooks 61), Johnson
Subs: Hennessey, King, Cabango, Bradshaw, Dasilva, Morrell, Cullen, Huggins, Sheehan
Turkiye: Cakir (Bayindir 34); Kadioglu, Akaydin, Bardakci, Ozkacar (Celik 46); Yuksek; Sari, Omur (Yazici 34), Ozcan, Akturkoglu; Yilmaz (Yildiz 58)
Subs: Gunok, Soyuncu, Ozdedmir, Kahveci, Elmali, Kabak, Kutly, Ayhan
