The ‘golden generation’, with Arda Güler, Kenan Yildiz and Can Uzun at the head, has unleashed the ‘Turkish passion’.
“It’s like a dream. 24 years without playing in the World Cup is a long time.”above all, for our country,” admits the international Ferdi Kadioglu to ‘TRT World’. “It’s my biggest dream since I was a child. I wasn’t even born when we went to the World Cup for the last time,” apostille Arda Güler.
I wasn’t even born when we went to the World Cup for the last time.
The selection led by Rüstü Reçber, Hakan Sükür, Hasan Sas, Nihat Kahveci… He set the bar high: They finished third in Japan and Korea 2002. “They have a great opportunity to make history and become unforgettable figures”assures the ex-azulgrana Rüstü.
Güler is a gem for Türkiye: ball in the area… and pass into the net to silence Budapest
The challenge – share a group with USA, Paraguay and Australia– doesn’t seem to intimidate them. “This squad, known as the golden generation, demonstrated its potential by reaching the quarterfinals of the Euro Cup. Our goal is to overcome our own limits in the World Cup“he admits Kadioglu, that highlights the figure of Vincenzo Montella: “From day one he made us believe that we could beat any team and that anything was possible. He took us to the Euro, we beat Germany after many years, we beat Croatia…”.
We reached the quarterfinals in the Euro Cup, but our goal is to overcome our own limits in the World Cup
“It is a gift to our country, but this is just the beginning,” insist Güler. “Our first objective is, without a doubt, to qualify for the next phase, but we are not afraid of anyone. For two years we have shown the world that we are at a higher level and I know we can do better.”highlights the Madrid player.
Kenan Yildiz and his spectacular goal against PSV
The message of Montella has ‘made its way’ into the squad. “We are a brave team, but we are in a very even group. We should not trust ourselves. Our dreams are big, but we need to move forward step by step.”emphasizes the coach.
Our dreams are big, but we need to move forward step by step
Fatih Terim, Turkey coach in three different stages (1993-96, 2005-09 and 2013-17)has joined the ‘Turkish passion’: “You have to get through the group stage in the best possible way and then think about the round of 16, quarterfinals and beyond. I think there are no limits for Türkiye.”
Kosovo 0-1 Türkiye World Cup Qualification Summary
Güler and Yildiz give free rein to the illusion of ‘The Emperor’ Terim: “Türkiye is considered one of the most promising teams in the World Cup thanks to them. Kenan wears the ’10’ for Juve and Arda has spent three seasons in Madrid. They are two extraordinary talents. “In the future, they can compete for the Ballon d’Or and achieve great things for the country.”
Güler and Yildiz are two extraordinary talents. In the future they can compete for the Ballon d’Or and achieve great things for the country
A ‘passion’ that extends far from Türkiye. “My children play in Italy, so I know them well. Çalhanoglu. He is one of the best midfielders in the world. There are also Arda Güler and Kenan Yildiz, who is considered the best Juventus player. “They have really good young people, so I hope Türkiye goes very, very far.”says Lilian Thuram, world champion with France in 1998.
Arda Güler ‘dances on the ice’ to give Turkey victory in the 88th minute
The former coach Ersun Yanal triggers euphoria: “We are the best team. Can we surprise? Can. Our squad is not bad. I wouldn’t be surprised if this team managed to surprise me, like in 2002.. They can achieve it. They have good qualities: creative players, shooters, disruptive players…” The ‘golden generation’ wants to shine.
