Turkey despairs of Australia’s defensive concreteness and lands crashing down to earth. The self-proclaimed title contender is already under pressure.
When secret favorites were discussed in the run-up to the World Cup, there was no way around Turkey. Everyone was sure that national coach Vincenzo Montella’s team was considered one of the hottest candidates to upset the big players. The players were also brimming with self-confidence: “We are at the World Cup, my goal is of course the final, my goal is to win the World Cup,” trumpeted captain Hakan Calhanoglu, representing an entire nation.
The 0-2 opening defeat against Australia means a bitter setback for Turkey. High-flying fantasies were followed by a terrible false start.
Turkey presses, Australia scores
24 years after their last World Cup appearance, Turkey could not be blamed for commitment and passion on Sunday in Vancouver. The team around Real Madrid superstar Arda Güler fired a total of 30 shots on goal – more than any other team in this tournament. The fact that the Turks had the ball twice as often as their opponents and ended up with an xGoal value of 2.37 sums up the game perfectly: Turkey pressed, but Australia scored the goals.
The whole truth also means that the Turks too often despaired of the Australian defensive bulwark, relied too often on long-range shots and were ultimately slowed down with the simplest of means. Australia entrenched themselves in their own penalty area and relied on transition situations. This is how a successful down underdog plays.
With the first successful counterattack, former Bayern professional Nestory Irankunda turned the game on its head (27th), then Connor Metcalfe perfected the sensation (75th) and held up a mirror to Turkey: Efficiency is also part of this sport. “Australia played a strong game and defended very well,” summarized Turkish national coach Montella. “We couldn’t take advantage of our chances. That’s football.” Keyword: results sport.
Another slip-up must not happen
And that is exactly what means that Turkey is currently at the back of the table in Group D. The USA, which was in strong form in the 4-1 win against Paraguay, and Australia have gained a small cushion. The Turkish selection is already under pressure and urgently needs to score against Paraguay next Saturday (5 a.m.). Since a total of eight third-placed teams advance to the knockout round, anything is of course still possible. If there is further disappointment, the Turks could face a rude awakening early on.
“The result disappoints us, but we have time to put it behind us and have to stay positive,” said Montella, looking towards the upcoming tasks just a few minutes after the final whistle. The task for Turkey now is to digest the disappointment as quickly as possible and then follow up with an improvement in performance. The team’s potential is great, but that must also be visible on the pitch. “Nothing is lost yet, there are still two games left and I’m confident,” said Montella.
In 2002, despite the initial bankruptcy, things went well
What also gives hope is a look at history. In 2002, Turkey’s last World Cup participation until this year, the first game was lost. Back then, Ronaldo and Rivaldo ensured a 2-1 win for Brazil and disappointed the Turks, but also a hello wake-up effect.
Turkey then really got off to a good start and ended up third, while Brazil became world champions. In the meantime, others can decide whether Australia is also a candidate for the title according to this logic.