The Nations League’s fourth 2024-2025 season commenced on September 5th with group stage matches, which concluded on Tuesday, November 19th. Although the Turkish National Team dominated its group until the final match, they finished second, just one point behind the leader. While group leader Wales secured promotion to League A, Türkiye will now have to face their opponents in the play-offs in March to earn promotion to League A.
The Turkish National Team was placed in League B Group 4. The group stage matches were played in a double round-robin format. Turkish players competed in six matches against Wales, Iceland, and Montenegro.
Türkiye’s group stage began with a match against Wales at Cardiff City Stadium, resulting in a 0-0 draw. The second leg against Wales, held in Kayseri, also ended in a tie. Matches against Iceland, however, were more productive, with Türkiye earning 3-1 and 4-2 victories. Against Montenegro, Türkiye secured a narrow 1-0 win in the first leg. Given their on-field performance and overall dominance during most of the group stage, Türkiye was projected to finish as group leader. However, the last two matches sealed their fate. While Türkiye suffered their first-ever loss to Montenegro, falling 3-1, Wales defeated Iceland 4-1, securing their promotion to League A.
The match against Montenegro in Nikšić Stadium was played under heavy rain, which severely affected the pitch conditions and player performance. Turkish players struggled to adapt to the field, where the ball bounced unpredictably or got stuck on the uneven surface. In contrast, Montenegrin players managed the conditions more effectively. Nikola Krstović scored a hat-trick, despite failing to score in the previous five group stage matches. Türkiye’s only goal came from Kenan Yıldız in the 37th minute.
Although the poor weather and field conditions played a significant role in the outcome, Türkiye’s midfield and defense also demonstrated noticeable weaknesses. The team committed major defensive errors and struggled to mount effective attacks. Turkish National Team coach Vincenzo Montella was subjected to criticisms for his player formation and overall playing strategy. Despite their strong start and apparent dominance, the match proved that underestimating any opponent can lead to unexpected results.
What Lies Ahead for Türkiye in the Nations League?
In the Nations League format, League B, C, and D teams that finish first in their groups are promoted to the next higher league. Teams finishing second, like Türkiye, play against League A’s third-placed teams in play-offs for another chance to be promoted. While Türkiye missed the opportunity to secure easy promotion to League A and an alternate pathway to the World Cup, they still have a chance in the play-offs.
In the play-offs, the national team will face one of the teams that finished third in League A, which will be determined by a draw taking place on Friday, November 22. Our potential opponents are Scotland, Belgium, Hungary and Serbia. These play-off matches will be our national players’ last chance to secure a promotion to League A. To showcase their full potential on the pitch against opponents, the team will need to work harder, both in defensive and offensive strategies, and adapt themselves to any conditions.
Head coach Montella stated after the Türkiye-Montenegro match that the team will undergo an intensive preparation to address its deficiencies before heading to the play-offs. He expressed full confidence and support to the young players and promised a stronger performance in the future matches in March.
The promotion/relegation play-offs and the League A quarterfinals will be held from March 20 to 25, 2025.
Remembering the Spirit of Football
Tournaments like the Nations League serve as an unifying force of communities under one roof. While these events are perfect times to feel profound joy and pride, they also remind us of our core values and sense of shared identity as a community. Despite having rivalries over local teams, on the international stage, all emotions converge in support of one team. These international leagues are significant to feel as “one” and rally behind players who represent our country through both victories and challenges.
As previously stated, at the end of the day, there aren't any teams to pick but only one, which is a miracle in a country like Türkiye where people tend to have very conflicted views on teams they follow in general. Our hearts beat with the rhythm of our national team, therefore, we must respect our players and support both their wins and losses. It should be borne in mind that in sport there is always a possibility of both victory and, although it is an unpleasant situation, defeat.
However, like many fan bases around the world, the Turkish football community sometimes struggles with constructive criticism. Players often face harsh, personal criticism after defeats or mistakes, which adds undue mental pressure and can further affect performance.
One recent example occurred during the second match against Wales. In the 89th minute, Türkiye won a penalty that could have broken the tie. When Kerem Aktürkoğlu missed the penalty, fans and media speculated about whether he was the right choice for the shot or even deserved his place in the national team. This reaction starkly contrasts with the praise he receives when he performs well for his club, Benfica. Such inconsistencies in support highlight the need for a healthier perspective on sports.
Avoiding this kind of rapidly shifting perception of our footballers and the understanding of “only supporting the players in their good forms” must be penetrated. Obtaining a healthy mindset of what sport actually means, that is serving as a collective foundation that brings every heart under one goal/team and supporting each other no matter the outcome is, the only way we can promote our players who put effort in representing our country. It is a known fact that with the right endorsement from their nations, athletes' motivation increases.
In brief, blaming individual players for missed opportunities or losses does not contribute to the team’s growth. Instead, maintaining a balanced and supportive attitude toward players can boost their confidence and motivation, leading to better results on the field.
Edited by: Derya Selin Yener