EURO 2024 Qualifiers: Turkey Secures Spot in Germany with Decisive Victory Over Latvia
Turkey’s national football team has booked their ticket to the EURO 2024 finals in Germany, triumphing over Latvia 4-0 in their Group D qualifying match held in Konya. The victory on the 7th matchday sparked celebrations as “Ay-Yıldızlılar” (The Crescent-Stars), as the Turkish team is known, secured their place in the prestigious European tournament.
The Konya Büyükşehir Belediye Stadium witnessed a dominant second-half performance from the Turkish side after a goalless first half. Yunus Akgün broke the deadlock in the 58th minute, followed by a brace from Cenk Tosun in the 82nd and 90+2 minutes, and a goal from Kerem Aktürkoğlu in the 87th minute, sealing a resounding 4-0 victory. This win marks Turkey’s sixth participation in the European Football Championship, adding to their previous appearances in 1996, 2000, 2008, 2016, and 2020, showcasing a consistent presence in the continental tournament.
High-profile figures including Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak, Minister of Labor and Social Security Vedat Işıkhan, and President of the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) Mehmet Büyükekşi were among those who watched the crucial match, highlighting the national importance of this Euro 2024 qualification campaign.
Following the final whistle, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan extended his congratulations to the national team. In a social media post, he stated, “I sincerely congratulate our A National Football Team, which has qualified for the 2024 European Football Championship, and wish our national team success in the tournament.” President Erdoğan also spoke with Head Coach Montella and the players by phone, personally congratulating everyone involved in this significant achievement.
Match Highlights:
The match was not without its tense moments. In the 21st minute, Yunus Akgün found the net, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review for offside. Salih Özcan’s powerful strike in the 27th minute was saved by Latvian goalkeeper Ozols, and Kerem Aktürkoğlu’s shot in the 33rd minute narrowly missed the target. A header from Abdülkerim Bardakcı in the 35th minute hit the post, further emphasizing Turkey’s attacking pressure in the first half.
Despite the first-half frustrations, Turkey’s persistence paid off in the second half. Yunus Akgün finally opened the scoring in the 58th minute, converting Cenk Özkacar’s cross. Latvia threatened briefly, with Salih Özcan clearing a header off the line in the 62nd minute and goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır denying Uldrikis in the 67th minute.
Turkey extended their lead in the 83rd minute when Cenk Tosun headed in Samet Akaydin’s cross. Kerem Aktürkoğlu added a third in the 87th minute after a swift counter-attack initiated by Yusuf Sarı. Cenk Tosun completed the rout in added time, scoring his second goal in the 90+2 minute, ensuring a comprehensive victory and a place at EURO 2024.
Match Details: Turkey 4 – 0 Latvia
Stadium: Konya Büyükşehir Belediye
Referee: Enea Jorgji (Albania)
Turkey: Uğurcan Çakır, Ferdi Kadıoğlu (min. 46 Zeki Çelik), Samet Akaydın, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Cenk Özkacar, Salih Özcan (min. 68 Berkan Kutlu), İsmail Yüksek, Hakan Çalhanoğlu (min. 86 Kaan Ayhan), Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Yunus Akgün (min. 75 Yusuf Sarı), Barış Alper Yılmaz (min. 75 Cenk Tosun)
Latvia: Ozols, Savalnieks, Dubra, Balodis, Ciganiks, Tobers, Saveļjevs (min. 46 Emsis), Jaunzems (min. 84 Davis Ikaunieks), Ikaunieks, Daskevics (min. 57 Krollis), Uldrikis (min. 75 Regza)
Goals: min. 58 Yunus Akgün, min. 83 and min. 90+2 Cenk Tosun, min. 87 Kerem Aktürkoğlu (Turkey)
Yellow Cards: Salih Özcan, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Abdülkerim Bardakcı (Turkey), Emsis, Ozols, Daskevics, Tobers (Latvia)
In the other Group D match, Wales defeated Croatia 2-1. Armenia had a matchday bye. Turkey now leads Group D with 16 points, guaranteeing a top-two finish and qualification for EURO 2024. Their final group match will be against Wales away on November 21st.
| EURO 2024 Qualifiers Group D Standings |
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Montella Makes History as First Foreign Coach to Lead Turkey to EURO Finals
Vincenzo Montella has made history by becoming the first foreign head coach to guide the Turkish national team to the European Championship finals. Previous EURO qualifications saw Turkey under the guidance of Turkish coaches: Fatih Terim (EURO 1996, 2008, 2016), Mustafa Denizli (EURO 2000), and Şenol Güneş (EURO 2020). Montella’s achievement marks a significant milestone for Turkish football and highlights the success of his leadership.
European Champion Turkey Down Syndrome National Futsal Team Salutes the Stands
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, the Turkey Down Syndrome National Futsal Team, recent European champions, were special guests at the Konya match. Having won gold at the European Championship final against Portugal, the team greeted fans before the game, showcasing their championship trophy and receiving a standing ovation from the enthusiastic crowd. The presence of the futsal champions further amplified the sense of national pride and sporting success surrounding Turkey’s Euro 2024 qualification.