On March 23, 2025, the UEFA Nations League play-off match between Turkey and Hungary at Puskas Arena revealed not only the competitive spirit of both teams but also stirred controversy when Hungarian fans whistled during the Turkish national anthem, the İstiklal Marşı. This unsportsmanlike behavior overshadowed the pre-match ceremonial proceedings and set a tense tone ahead of the clash.
The Turkish national team, aiming to advance in the UEFA Nations League after their 3-1 victory in the first leg, fielded a starting eleven featuring goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır and outfield players Mert Müldür, Samet Akaydin, Abdülkerim Bardakcı, Eren Elmalı, İsmail Yüksek, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Oğuz Aydın, Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız, and Kerem Aktürkoğlu. Coach Vincenzo Montella made three changes from the previous match, replacing Kaan Ayhan, Orkun Kökçü, and Barış Alper Yılmaz with Müldür, Yüksek, and Güler.
Notably absent due to suspension and injury were Orkun Kökçü and Merih Demiral, respectively. In a shift that underscored depth in the squad, Rayyan Baniya, a defender playing for Italian club Palermo, was included in the match day squad for the first time. As Montella strategized for the match, optimism loomed for Turkish fans who hoped to see their team secure a win despite the challenges.
As the match commenced, Felix Zwayer, an official from the German Football Federation, took charge as the referee. The stakes were high; with a draw or a one-goal loss sufficient for Turkey to progress to League A, pressure mounted on both teams. Conversely, Hungary needed at least a two-goal victory to push the match into extra time.
The game’s first goal came from a penalty, expertly converted by Hakan Çalhanoğlu after İsmail Yüksek was fouled. This lifted the Turkish spirits as they moved ahead 1-0 early on. The first half saw Türkiye taking assertive control, and before the break, Arda Güler doubled the lead with a striking finish from Oğuz Aydın’s assist, going in at the interval with a 2-0 advantage.
During the match, Turkish officials, including Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak and Turkish Football Federation President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu, were present, further highlighting the significance of this away game to national pride and footballing aspirations.
After halftime, Hungary sought to claw back into contention but struggled against Turkey’s defensive efforts. Although Dominik Szoboszlai posed threats, none translated into goals. In response, Montella’s men, combining tactical prowess with spirited performances, managed to suppress Hungary’s advances.
The match eventually ended with Türkiye maintaining their 2-0 advantage, and thus securing their advancement in the UEFA Nations League. This match collectively represented Türkiye's 639th international game in its storied history, marking another chapter in an ongoing rivalry with Hungary. Historically, Hungary held the upper hand with 9 wins out of 16 encounters, while Turkey had only netted 5 victories, the remaining two matches resulting in a draw.
In a post-match reflection, fans and pundits alike considered what the result meant for Turkish football under Montella's leadership. After a shaky start, Turkey’s recent form included a resurgence with 10 wins among his 20 matches as coach. Notably, Turkey's progression to League A now secures easier competition, which might bolster their chances heading into future tournaments.
Overall, while the whistle incident cast a shadow during the national anthems, it was the football being played on the pitch that ultimately defined the day. Turkey’s resilience through adverse circumstances speaks volumes of their potential as they look to the future.
Whether the incident will have implications on fan relations and future encounters remains to be seen; nonetheless, one thing is for sure - Turkish players left the field knowing they’d overcome not just their opponents but also the hurdles presented by passionate fans across the stands.
