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Initial shock
Real Madrid star Arda Guler performed well Today, Sunday, Turkey lost 2-0 to Australia in the first round Within the framework of the fourth group of AA-2026.
While the result looks harsh, especially when a European team loses to an Asian rival, Guler was a glimmer of hope in the performance of Italian coach Vicenzo Montella’s team.
Distinguishing numbers
Goal numbers were promising in the match and he looked to be the most important element of Montella’s team as he touched the ball 106 times, completed 68 correct passes out of 73, as well as 4 long passes with a 100% success rate.
In the game, the Real Madrid star created two scoring chances, completed two key passes and completed 5 passes in addition to 5 dribbles.
Arda Guler has 8 shots on goal, the most by any player at the 2026 World Cup so far, while Turkey’s total has been 30 attempts, the most by a team without scoring since Portugal scored 31 against England in 2006.
The Real Madrid star was tackled 3 times against Australia, while he made one defensive tackle, won 5 tackles and took the ball away from opposition players 3 times.
Character of a hero
Guler maintained his winning spirit even before the kick-off whistle as cameras caught him entering the pitch, urging his teammates on.
Guler’s words come from the fact that he is only 21 years old and participating in the World Cup for the first time in his career, and there are many stars in the Turkish team who are more experienced than him, for example, the star of “Inter Milan” Hakan Calhanoglu, but the personality of the “Real Madrid” player motivated him to morally guide his teammates before the start of the World Cup.
Admission of negligence
After the loss, Guler’s words expressed Turkey’s state in that game, as his country tried hard but failed to hit the Turkish net.
After the defeat against Australia, Guler told reporters. “First of all congratulations to Australia, they took their chances and we didn’t.”
“But I won’t lie. It’s hard to make some decisions tonight. There were moments when most of us thought the handballs should be counted, but the game went on. I’m not saying that’s the only reason we lost, but these moments can change the course of a match.”
He continued:
He concluded. “The fans have every right to feel disappointed. We are also disappointed… We will learn from this and come back stronger and make sure that this result does not decide our path in the tournament.”
Henry’s comment on the Guler Center
French legend Thierry Henry said while analyzing Turkey’s defeat. “If you were in the game, especially given how the likes of Calhanoglu and Yumsik were able to control the game, it was amazing. I would say statistically it was the better team that lost.”
“Vincenzo Montella prepared the team really well, but playing Arda Guler on the left wing cost them a bit, because I think if he gave him a chance to play in attacking midfield, they could have done better.”
He continued. “Training is never easy. Sometimes you don’t know what to say to motivate your players, and that can be the case with Montella today.”
He concluded. “Turkey has a great team with young players, Yıldız, Kadioglu and Arda Guler, who also have experience. It’s very unfortunate that they lost, but I expect them to come back better.”
Montella’s arguments
Montella said he was not surprised by Australia’s starting line-up, but was saddened that his side failed to convert 78 percent of the ball in the 2-0 loss.
Montella admitted he was unable to bring on attacking players later because he believed it would leave his side vulnerable to Australia’s strong counter-attacks.
Montella was asked about his replacements and why his side couldn’t keep up with Australia physically, but he explained that he had to call on players who could try to keep up with Australia physically, while allowing the out-of-form Arda Guler and Hakan Calhanoglu to remain on the pitch as key elements.
“When you lose, you have to accept all the criticism, even the ones you don’t think are fair… I know I’ve been criticized many times because I didn’t include the physically strongest players, but even when we faced criticism, I accepted it and I know that the other players are actually improving a lot and I wanted to leave Guler on the pitch until the end.”
He continued. I wanted to keep Guler on the field. When we took Arda deeper into the field. I thought Ian Ozon was better behind the striker, so I wanted to keep Arda until the end of the match. But when we moved Kenan Yıldız to the left front, we couldn’t create enough space for Can in this game.”
