05.07.2026 16:40
Fatih Terim made assessments about the World Cup on his own YouTube channel and shared confessions regarding the May 17 UEFA Cup final. Here are the details...
Galatasaray's legendary coach Fatih Terim made important statements about the past while evaluating the 2026 World Cup matches on his own YouTube channel.
"A REMARKABLE MATCH"
Commenting on the FIFA 2026 World Cup, Fatih Terim said, "Each match was more dynamic and interesting than the last. Every game has its own story. Looking at Brazil - Japan, it ended in extra time. In the Germany - Paraguay match, Germany was eliminated. I can't call Netherlands - Morocco a surprise. From the very first day, I've seen Mexico as a team to watch. They are paired with England. They will play in historic stadiums. It might be nostalgic for the English too. We saw an aggressive Mexico that passes well and plays both ends of the game effectively. It will be one of the standout matches."
"COULD HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST SURPRISE"
Pointing to Cape Verde as a team that could spring a surprise, Terim said, "The biggest surprise could have been Cape Verde. Just think, their citizens living abroad outnumber those on the islands; their population is under 500,000. Garry Rodrigues is from there too, and he could have made the squad. They research family and cultural ties to find players raised in different countries. For example, the Irish defender's father is from there. Through these connections, they built a strong squad and showed serious resistance against one of the favorites with Messi."
"THE BEST RULE FOR NOW"
Continuing his remarks, Fatih Terim stated, "After every completed match, especially those ending in penalty shootouts, various rule proposals come up. To me, they seem forced. One says play until someone scores, another suggests taking shots from outside the 18-yard box—these are ridiculous now. Some seemed like jokes to me. There are also those who criticize me seriously. The current rule is the best possible one. If something is to be changed, instead of two 15-minute halves, a single 20-minute period should be played. I think this is the best rule for now."
"I FOUND IT ODD"
Commenting on England head coach Thomas Tuchel's statement, "We are ready for penalties," Fatih Terim said, "I found it odd, frankly. If they meant we are ready for penalties too, I respect that, but saying that without directly mentioning the match is not right. My first point seems more accurate to me, but one can also practice for penalties."
"I WOULD NEVER ALLOW THIS"
Stating that he would never have his players practice penalties, he said, "I am not a coach who makes his players practice penalty kicks in training the day before a match. My reasoning is that the player might perceive it as 'We are planning to go to penalties.' Very clear. It raises questions like, 'Are we going to play defensively? Are we playing for a draw?' Even though they know me and my intentions, those 'what ifs' could cause problems. I would never allow this."
"I DIDN'T SEE THE MOMENT HE WAS SENT OFF"
Recalling the UEFA Cup final on May 17, 2000, the experienced coach confessed, "In the UEFA Cup final, we had 7-8 players in mind for penalties. Why 7-8? Because at any moment, someone might say, 'Coach, I'm not feeling it.' If Hagi hadn't been sent off, wouldn't he have taken a penalty? He shoots free kicks like penalties. Of course, he would have taken one. I didn't see the moment Hagi was sent off at first. I was talking in the dugout about a substitution. When everyone suddenly looked in that direction, I knew something had happened. When I saw the red card, we switched to another plan. As for penalties, Hagi was going to take one. The fifth penalty was for Capone. It wasn't meant to be. It ended with Popescu."
"HE SAID 'I'LL TAKE IT'"
Finally, responding to the question, "In Euro 2008, there was an argument about who would take the first penalty. Then you gave the ball to Arda," Terim said, "He said, 'Coach, I'll take it.' You have to handle both the nervous and serious sides of the situation. You need to move beyond the 'If you miss, we're doomed' mindset. If you miss, you miss. There are four more penalties to take. You have to send them with ease. Penalties are for relaxed people. In the end, you have to be calm."