OMM Newsroom
Turkey coach Sergen Yalçın said he was pleased with his team’s fight after its defeat to Belgium. Speaking after the match at Gürsel Aksel Stadium, the 54-year-old said his team had prepared well, that its high press worked during the first 20-30 minutes and that it scored a goal. Turkey gave up control of the match to its opponent between the 30th and 45th minutes, he said.
Yalçın said Belgium were a good team and stressed that his side were working to address problems in defense. He said Turkey had gained the upper hand at times, could have earned points and had put up a performance he was satisfied with. The coach said Arda Güler played to his ability and scored a fine goal. Arda directs the attacks and is the team’s best player, Yalçın said.
Commenting on Oğuz Aydın’s deployment as a right-back, Yalçın said Zeki Çelik had only just returned from injury and could not play for 90 minutes. He added that Belgium’s Jeremy Doku, who plays on that flank, was a dangerous player, and said he was pleased with Oğuz’s performance.
Belgium coach Mark van Bommel said Turkey started the match with a high press and congratulated its opponent on scoring from a free kick. Belgium recovered quickly after falling behind and took control of the match in the second half, he said. Van Bommel also praised Jeremy Doku’s performance and said the condition of the pitch had negatively affected his team’s play.
