Turkey’s national football team has advanced to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Austria, sparking jubilant celebrations across the country and among Turkish communities abroad. The hero of the match was defender Merih Demiral, who scored both goals for Turkey, including one in the 57th second – the fastest goal in Euro knockout stage history.However, Demiral’s goal celebration has become a subject of controversy. After scoring, he made a gesture resembling the ‘Wolfsgruß’ or ‘Grey Wolves’ salute, a symbol associated with a far-right Turkish nationalist organization. Demiral defended his actions, stating it was a celebration of his Turkish identity and that he saw others in the stadium making the same gesture. The incident has raised concerns about potential UEFA action, as the organization has previously sanctioned players for similar gestures.Despite the controversy, the victory has been met with widespread celebration. In cities like Trabzon and Erzurum, fans formed convoys of cars, waved Turkish flags, and gathered in city squares to celebrate the team’s success. The win has also garnered attention in the international media, with headlines praising Turkey’s performance.Looking ahead, Turkey will face the Netherlands in the quarterfinals on July 6 in Berlin. The team received a boost with the news that captain Hakan Calhanoglu, who missed the Austria match due to a yellow card suspension, is expected to return for the quarterfinal. Calhanoglu expressed his excitement about the upcoming match, saying, ‘We are the number one fans. They are everywhere with us’.Coach Vincenzo Montella praised his team’s spirit and performance, stating that they had shown ‘Turkish heart’ and that the win was a result of their passion and love for the game. As Turkey prepares for its first major international quarterfinal in 16 years, the team and its fans are riding high on a wave of emotion and national pride.
Key points
- Turkey advanced to Euro 2024 quarterfinals with a 2-1 win over Austria.
- Merih Demiral’s goal celebration sparked controversy due to its association with a far-right organization.
- Captain Hakan Calhanoglu is expected to return for the quarterfinal match against the Netherlands.
- The victory has sparked widespread celebrations across Turkey and Turkish communities abroad.
Contradictions👾While most sources focus on the positive aspects of Turkey’s victory, some highlight the controversy surrounding Demiral’s goal celebration.
This presents a contrast in the overall narrative of the event.
