Turkey's national team's new golden era – can the Crescent-Stars rise to the top of Europe again?
If you follow international football with more than just a passing interest, you'll know that no nation brings quite the same burning intensity to the game as Turkey. Known as the Crescent-Stars (Ay-Yıldızlar), they've always been the ultimate wildcard – they can just as easily blow up in your face as shoot themselves in the foot, but they are never, ever boring. And now, as we look towards the rest of 2024, there's a growing sense that another explosion might be just around the corner.
A bronze medal that came from nowhere
We all remember the summer of 2002. Turkey hadn't been at a World Cup in 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 run was finally ended by eventual champions Brazil. In the third-place play-off, they beat the co-hosts South Korea 3–2. An entire nation still remembers Hakan Şükür's goal – it came after just ten 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 new resurgence
Just when you thought you'd seen it all, 2008 came around. At the European Championship in Switzerland and Austria, Turkey struck again. In the quarter-final against Croatia, they were moments from elimination when Semih Şentürk bundled the ball into the net in the 122nd minute. It was an incredible equaliser that left millions stunned. Turkey went on to win the penalty shootout and reached the semis, where Germany proved too strong. Things have been quieter since – World Cup qualification has proved elusive – but the winds of change are blowing once more.
Three reasons to take Turkey seriously right now
- Experience returns to the dugout: In 2019, the managerial reins were handed back to master tactician Şenol Güneş – the same man who guided them to that World Cup bronze in 2002. He knows exactly how to squeeze every last drop of effort from this squad.
- A new generation arrives: Young Turkish players are now making their mark in Europe's top leagues. They've been forged in the fires of the domestic Süper Lig, and they're hungry to prove themselves on the biggest stage.
- The fortress returns: With the Turkish Football Federation getting their house in order, home games have once again become a cauldron. The atmosphere is electric, and it spills over onto the pitch.
In the FIFA World Rankings, Turkey is steadily climbing. Back in July 2024, they had reached 26th place. It's not the absolute top tier yet, but the trajectory is promising. Tough qualifying campaigns lie ahead, but this group has the makings of something special. Even here in Ireland, we have our own memories of facing Turkey – and there's always a certain buzz when the Crescent-Stars come to town. The coming years will tell if Turkey is finally ready to return to where it belongs: among the genuine elite of world football.