Türkiye returns to World Cup after 24 years with Australia opener
Türkiye returns to the World Cup stage for the first time in 24 years on June 14 carrying heightened expectations and renewed belief, with rising star Arda Güler set to lead the attack in a Group D opener against Australia at BC Place.
Despite encouraging performances at recent European Championships, Türkiye have not appeared at football’s biggest tournament since their breakthrough run to the semi-finals in 2002.
Much of the spotlight now falls on the 21-year-old Real Madrid playmaker, who enters the tournament as one of the faces of a new generation.
“He has talent, intuition, reading of the game; he knows when to slow down, when to go vertical, and he knows how to score,” Türkiye coach Vincenzo Montella said. “He has an innocent face, but he is very clever.
