Turkey's national team enter a new golden era – can the Crescent-Stars rise to the top of Europe again?
If you follow international football any deeper than the back pages, you'll know that no nation brings the same searing, combustible passion to the pitch as Turkey. The team, known as the Crescent-Stars (Ay-Yıldızlar), has always been an unpredictable wildcard – they might blow up in your face, or they might shoot themselves in the foot, but it's never, ever dull. And now, on the cusp of 2024, you get the feeling another explosion might be just around the corner.
The bronze medal no one saw coming
We all remember the summer of 2002. Turkey hadn't graced a World Cup for nearly half a century, not since 1954. And then it happened. Şenol Güneş's side marched all the way to the semi-finals in Japan and South Korea, where their journey was eventually ended by eventual champions Brazil. In the third-place play-off, they beat the co-hosts South Korea 3–2. The nation still remembers Hakan Şükür's goal – it came after just 10 seconds, and it remains the fastest goal in World Cup history. It was a sensation that put Turkish football firmly on the global map.
Euro drama and a resurgence
Just when you thought the story was over, 2008 arrived. At the European Championship in Switzerland and Austria, Turkey struck again. In the quarter-final against Croatia, they were heading out until Semih Şentürk bundled the ball into the net in the 122nd minute. It was an incredible equaliser that left millions of jaws on the floor. Turkey won the penalty shootout and marched on to the semis, where Germany proved a bridge too far. Things have been quieter since then – World Cup qualification has proved elusive for a while – but now the tide looks to be turning once more.
Three reasons to take Turkey seriously right now
- Experience returns to the dugout: In 2019, the veteran manager Şenol Güneş returned to the helm – the same man who guided them to that famous World Cup bronze in 2002. He knows how to squeeze every last drop of determination from this squad.
- The new generation is arriving: Young Turkish players are now making their mark in Europe's top leagues. They've been schooled in the fierce competitiveness of the domestic Süper Lig, and now they're hungry to prove themselves on the biggest stage.
- The fortress returns: With the Turkish Football Federation getting its house in order, home games have become intimidating fortresses once again. The atmosphere is electric, and it transmits directly to the players on the pitch.
Turkey are steadily climbing the FIFA rankings. By July 2024, they had already reached 26th place. It's not the very top yet, but the trajectory is promising. Tough qualifying battles lie ahead, but this squad has the makings of something special. We've got fond memories of facing Turkey here in Finland too – and it's always an occasion when the Crescent-Stars land in the Nordics. The coming years will tell if Turkey are finally ready to return to where they belong: rubbing shoulders with the global elite.