The Turkish national football team has secured its promotion to League A of the UEFA Nations League, marking a significant achievement after a successful playoff campaign. The journey began with a crucial first leg against Hungary, where Turkey emerged victorious with a score of 3-1. This triumph set the tone for the return leg held on March 23, 2025, at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, where Turkey continued its impressive performance by winning decisively with a score of 3-0.
In the first match, Hakan Çalhanoglu opened the scoring in the 37th minute, followed closely by a goal from Real Madrid's midfielder, Arda Guler, just two minutes later. This strong performance laid the groundwork for Turkey’s return match, where Abdulkerim Bardakcı extended the lead with a goal in the 90th minute, sealing Hungary's fate and confirming Turkey's promotion.
Turkey's overall performance in the League B Group 4 saw them finishing just behind Wales, while Hungary found itself on the lower end of Group A3, trailing behind giants Germany and the Netherlands. The Turkish team displayed remarkable skills and teamwork during this playoff series, highlighting their potential for future international competitions.
Fans and analysts alike praised the Turkish national squad for their tactical execution and resilience throughout the playoffs. Following the second leg victory, celebrations erupted among the players and fans alike, marking a memorable milestone in Turkish football.
Abdulkerim Bardakcı's late goal not only capped off Turkey's dominant showing in the match but also sent a clear message to their rivals in League A. As he celebrated with teammate İrfan Can Kahveci, the excitement was palpable among Turkish supporters who had gathered in large numbers to witness the match.
With this qualification, Turkey aims to build on their recent successes in future fixtures within the prestigious League A, where they will face some of the top national teams in Europe. The journey to this point has been filled with ups and downs, but the Turkish players have emerged stronger and more determined than ever.
As Turkey prepares for the challenges ahead in League A, they are hopeful that this promotion will serve as a catalyst for growth and development within Turkish football, inspiring a new generation of players to strive for excellence on the international stage.
