Turkish shock in Spain: Salih Özcan nets against European champs | OneFootball

Purely mathematically, Turkey still had a chance for direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup before the final group match, but they would have had to win against Spain in Seville by at least seven goals. Unsurprisingly, this did not happen, but after losing the first leg 0-6 in September, the Turkish team achieved a respectable result with a 2-2 draw against the European champions, thanks in part to Salih Özcan.

At the end of a one-sided first half, in which only Dani Olmo scored early for Spain's lead, Turkey equalized almost out of nowhere through a corner kick by Deniz Gül. Inspired by this, the Turks, who played without key players Hakan Calhanoglu, Arda Güler, and Kenan Yildiz, performed significantly better in the second half and even took the lead in the 54th minute through Salih Özcan. The midfielder, who barely plays a role at Borussia Dortmund, scored from about 20 meters with a precise shot into the left corner of the goal, leaving Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simon with no chance to save.

In the Play-offs in March

Although Mikel Oyarzabal equalized to 2-2 in the 62nd minute, Turkey's joy did not last long. However, the draw and the two goals against the European champions, who had won their first five qualifying matches without conceding a goal, serve as encouragement for the upcoming play-offs in March, which still offer a chance for the first World Cup participation since 2002.

Meanwhile, Özcan advertised himself with his first goal in his 27th international match at a good time. Because by the end of his contract next summer at the latest, the 27-year-old's path will lead away from Dortmund. There are reportedly interested parties in Turkey, France, and the Bundesliga, particularly with Özcan's former club 1. FC Köln, but nothing concrete has emerged so far.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.