Calhanoglu: Nobody expected a team as young as Turkey to reach the quarter-finals. I’m really proud of my teammates

Turkey says goodbye to the European Championships. The team, which the Czech national football team could not cope with, ends after defeat to the Netherlands. The Turks were leading in the match, but then they were too far behind and scored twice. Midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu is proud of his team, he said no one expected them to reach the quarter-finals.

Turkey took six points in the group, first beating Georgia and then winning with a goal late against the Czech Republic. Thanks to the promotion from the second place, they could look forward to a duel with the equally strong Austria.

But there was a surprise, the Turks managed to beat the Austrians, who played some beautiful football, and advanced to the quarter-finals. Their opponent was the Netherlands, who had not been given much of a chance before the tournament.

After all, the Dutch fell to the Austrians in their last group match and finished third. Turkey was leading in the match with the Netherlands, but then lost the lead and subsequently scored a second time, which led to the end of the tournament.

“We played too defensively in the second half. We conceded two goals in seven minutes, but we did not give up and created several chances,” Hakan Calhanoglu told UEFA’ s website after the game.

At the same time, he mentioned that few people expected his country to advance. “We have to be honest. Nobody expected this young team to reach the quarter-finals. I am really proud of my teammates,” he added.

The Inter Milan star himself is still only 30 years old and is certainly not about to end his national team career. “I would like to play for my country for as long as possible. I am proud to play for this team,” he concluded.

Instead of the Netherlands, the Netherlands will play England in the semi-finals. In the second semi-final, tournament favourite Spain will face France.

Source: UEFA