- Home
- Unexpected...
Unexpected Turkish twist in cutthroat Euros knockouts
Turkey fans made their presence known in Germany as they celebrated the nation's dramatic 2-1 victory over Austria.
A masterclass performance by Merih Demiral cemented Turkey's spot in the quarterfinals, with the side overcoming the loss of star midfielder Haken Calhanoglu and defender Samet Akaydin due to suspension.
An injury-time wonder save by Turkish goalkeeper Mert Gunok off attacking Austrian midfielder Christoph Baumgartner preserved Turkey's participation at the Euro's as Demiral found the net twice.
READ MORE:Former Olympian, world champion found shot dead
READ MORE:'Distasteful arrogance': World laughs at Stokes claim
READ MORE:Kokkinakis stuns Wimbledon in epic two-day win
Witnessing the city of Leipzig becoming a sea of red epitomised a tournament that has two home teams - with over 2.8 million people with Turkish roots currently residing in Germany.
The largest influx of Turkish immigrants to Germany occurred in the 1950s as part of the Wirtschaftswunder (economic boom), particularly in West Germany, as the nation encouraged workers from places such as Turkey, modern-day Serbia, and Montenegro to migrate.
Turkey's run to the quarterfinal highlights a cultural identity centred around football, with the German Turkish community overjoyed to be able to support both of their national teams.
Speaking with Turkish fans prior to the game, a sense of pride and optimism resonated from their voices as memories of their 2008 Euro run to the semi-finals has supporters once again believing they can upset the more storied European nations.
Turkish manager Vincenzo Montella praised the heart shown by his players and the support the team is receiving after their victory over Austria.
"I saw Turkish heart today and that's what I love about this country," said Montella.
"We've got a huge following. There's passion and the love is really visceral back home in Turkey so I'm very happy to have handed Turks a bit of pride."
The unbounded passion which the Turkish fans hold for their national team is something rarely witnessed as even the heavy downpour in Leipzig could not abate the throbbing numbers of Turkish supporters.
For Montella and his team, the challenge of the Dutch and their own Oranje army awaits in what promises to be an electric atmosphere.
For Turkey, the chance to play at the Olympiastadion presents a special opportunity for the team with over 250,000 German Turks residing in Berlin.
Turkey will welcome back Akaydin and Calhanoglu from suspension in the quarterfinal clash, however, will be without midfielder Orkun Kokcu who serves a one-match suspension.
Turkish defender Merih Demiral, who scored the match-sealing goal against Austria, is also in doubt for the clash as he is investigated for allegedly making a gesture associated with the Grey Wolves - a far-right extremist group closely linked to Turkey's ruling party.
UEFA confirmed a decision on his eligibility will be confirmed before the clash on Sunday (AEST).
Regardless of these possible setbacks, Turkey fans will turn out in full force like they have all tournament as they look to push the Turkish team to new levels in their home away from home.
- https://www.msn.com/en-au/sport/other/unexpected-turkish-twist-in-cutthroat-euros-knockouts/ar-BB1pnIPY?ocid=00000000
Related
Star snubbed again amid mass Maroons changes
It only took one match back from injury for Kalyn Ponga to earn a Queensland recall, but coach Billy Slater held firm on not picking one star.
SportCanterbury's Salmon banned for hit that refs overlooked
Jaeman Salmon has been banned for a hit that could have yielded the Warriors a game-winning penalty goal against Canterbury, but went unpunished at the time.
SportSpringbok 'bomb squad' snap eight-year Irish drought
The No.1 ranked Springbok hadn't beaten Ireland since 2016, but broke the voodoo with a classy performance in Pretoria.
SportLightning snatch back fourth spot with big netball win
The Lightning have snatched back fourth spot on the Super Netball ladder from the Melbourne Mavericks with an 83-67 away victory over the Queensland Firebirds.
SportStorm weather Asofa-Solomona blow to tame Tigers
Melbourne have shrugged off the first-half loss of Nelson Asofa-Solomona to tighten their grip on top spot in the NRL with a 40-28 thumping of Wests Tigers.
Sport'Rusty' T20 champions shock defeat to cricket minnows
T20 World Cup champions India have fallen to the hands of Zimbabwe as Sikandar Raza picked 3-25 to cement the first game victory.
SportAndy Murray has played his last Wimbledon match after shock Emma Raducanu decision
The former women's US Open winner is through to the second week of The Championships in the singles.
SportPopyrin saves Djoker 'penalty' as cheers force stoppage
A huge cheer erupted on centre court as England booked it's semi-final spot in the Euros, before Djoker shot a phantom penalty at his Aussie rival.
Sport