13.06.2026 11:50
The first opponent of the National Team in the World Cup, Australia, made statements that raised the tension. İsmail Yüksek and Hakan Çalhanoğlu gave striking responses to the Australian figures' remarks emphasizing the pressure on Turkey.
Statements from Australia's head coach Tony Popovic and defender Milos Degenek, who will face Turkey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, have drawn attention.
Popovic stated that football public opinion favors Turkey, saying, "Almost nobody outside our country gives us a chance. Many people think Turkey will win. We will fight to prove otherwise on the field."
"TURKEY IS UNDER PRESSURE"
Australian player Milos Degenek emphasized World Cup experience. Degenek said, "None of the Turkish players have ever experienced the World Cup before. We have 9 players who have. Additionally, they are under great pressure because they have not qualified for the World Cup since 2002."
İSMAİL YÜKSEK: THESE SEEM FUNNY TO ME
The first response to the statements from the Australian side came from İsmail Yüksek. The national player said, "We saw the statements made by Australia. I guess they are trying to put us under pressure, but these seem quite funny to me. It is clear they do not know the pressure environment in Turkey. Such statements do not affect us."
HAKAN ÇALHANOĞLU: LET THEM THINK THAT
National team captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu stated that the team is completely focused on the match. The experienced player, noting their excitement to be back in the World Cup after 24 years, emphasized that everyone is ready for the game. Commenting on Australia's claim of being "more experienced," Çalhanoğlu said, "Let them think that. We know our own strength. We want to prove it on the field."
ALL EYES ON THE PITCH
After the war of words that began with mutual statements, all eyes are now on the pitch. The National Team aims to defeat Australia in its first World Cup match, both starting the tournament with a win and answering its opponent on the field.