Emre Karaca claimed the pinnacle of the podium, securing a gold medal, while Güler Deniz Topuz clinched second place, proudly bringing medals back to Türkiye from the World Kickboxing Championship.

Held in the picturesque city of Albufeira, Portugal, from Nov. 17-26, the championship witnessed the participation of nearly 2,000 athletes from 70 countries.

In the “full contact” category, 33-year-old Emre Karaca emerged victorious in the 57 kg. Division, while 23-year-old Güler Deniz Topuz secured a commendable second place in the 56 kg. category.

Basking in the glory of their achievements, the national athletes reveled in the joy of hoisting the Turkish flag, adorned with gold and silver medals, on the podium.

In an exclusive interview with Anadolu Agency (AA), World champion Emre Karaca expressed the pride he felt playing the Turkish national anthem in foreign lands.

Karaca spoke passionately about his journey, saying: “I’ve been fighting in the ring for years and achieving a world championship hadn’t come my way. In 2022, I became the European champion, followed by the world championship in 2023. When national sentiments come into play, the match becomes entirely different. There, no one cheers with names; instead, it’s all about ‘Türkiye’ or ‘Red and White.'”

Karaca highlighted the difficulty of attaining a medal, saying: “We went there as the Turkish national team, and we had 10 world champions among us. This is the pinnacle: European and world championships. Fortunately, we have achieved it.”

Güler Deniz Topuz, the world runner-up, shared insights into their rigorous preparations for the championship.

Despite sustaining an injury before the final match, Topuz expressed satisfaction in bringing pride to her family, country and coaches by securing a silver medal.

While acknowledging the challenge due to an injury in the final, Topuz remarked: “We were hopeful of bringing home the gold medal, but I am proud to have won a medal, making my family, country and coaches proud. The silver medal I brought to my country is a source of great pride.”

Optimistic about the silver medal’s significance for upcoming tournaments, Topuz emphasized her perpetual pursuit of gold.

She spoke of the dedication and support she received from her coaches, underscoring the pride of standing on the podium in Portugal and relishing the joy of team success.

In a heartfelt expression of gratitude, Topuz thanked the federation, the club president and the mayor of Darıca for their unwavering support throughout the journey.

Source: Daily Sabah

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In a remarkable journey through the competitive landscape of women’s football, Türkiye’s national team has achieved a significant milestone by ascending from the C League to the B League in the Nations League.

Leading the success are two standout players: Yağmur Uraz, the leading scorer from Fenerbahçe and Selda Akgöz, the goalkeeper from Ankara Fomget.

Akgöz maintained a perfect record in the C Group, contributing to the Crescent-Stars’ leadership with six wins, 16 goals scored and none conceded.

The strategic progression from the C League to the B League underlines the meticulous planning and step-by-step approach implemented since the arrival of Coach Necla Güngör Kırağası and her team.

Sacrifices made by the team and players have fostered a tight-knit family atmosphere, a sentiment that resonates on the field.

Reflecting on their early aspirations, Uraz reminisced about the joy of playing in the neighborhood at 12.

Today, the thrill extends to performing in large stadiums and playing for club and national teams before an enthusiastic fanbase.

The evolution of women’s football has opened doors for aspiring young talents, encouraging them to dream beyond boundaries.

The journey has been transformative for Akgöz, who hails from humble beginnings.

She envisions leaving a legacy for younger generations, inspiring them to embrace football with their families.

The duo aims to progress collectively, underscoring the importance of unity in growth.

The impact of Türkiye’s national team mirrors that of the volleyball national team, affectionately known as the “Sultans of the Net.”

Akgöz shared insights into the growing support, with individual sponsorships and an expanding fan base.

The duo is committed to providing joy to their audience, with Akgöz emphasizing her unique perspective from the rear, ensuring an intimate connection with the game.

As 2023 concludes, the focus shifts to the challenges in the B League.

Yağmur expressed anticipation about the opponents they will face, emphasizing a gradual and dedicated approach to pushing their limits and achieving new milestones.

Beyond the national team’s success, the discussion extends to the broader landscape of women’s football.

The two stars stressed the importance of major clubs investing in grassroots development, ensuring that talent is nurtured across the country, not limited to metropolitan areas.

They actively guide aspiring players, addressing the need for accessible platforms in both eastern and western regions.

Breaking barriers

Beyond the field, both athletes challenge societal stereotypes.

Akgöz acknowledged the persistent expectation for women to be the caretaker in the family, yet she defied this by managing her responsibilities as a financial provider.

Pursuing education and career aspirations showcases a shift in perceptions around women in football.

Uraz and Akgöz expressed aspirations beyond their playing careers.

Uraz, at 33, envisions a future in coaching, combining her experience with a master’s degree in movement and exercise science.

Akgöz, at 30, however, intends to continue playing until 35, contemplating a transition to coaching and nurturing the next generation.

Reflecting on their football idols, Yağmur identifies Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pavel Nedved, Mesut Özil and now Erling Haaland as sources of inspiration.

Their goal celebrations are reminiscent of legendary figures like Didier Drogba and Fernando Muslera, serving as a source of pride for aspiring players.

Evolution

The challenges encountered in the early days of women’s football, such as the absence of personalized jerseys and limited resources, have transformed into a scenario where numerous options are available, underscoring the advancements in the women’s game.

Anticipating a future Arda Güler in women’s football, the two stars confidently projected sending a sister abroad within the next few years, emphasizing the continued growth and recognition of Turkish women’s football on the global stage.

Source: Daily Sabah

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The grandeur of Turkish traditional wrestling took center stage as the Türkiye Traditional Wrestling Federation (TGGF) celebrated the culmination of the 2023 CW Enerji Türkiye Oil Wrestling League with a prestigious awards ceremony.

The event, held at Eresin Topkapı Hotel, saw the presence of distinguished figures, including Bilal Erdoğan, president of the World Ethnosport Confederation; İbrahim Türkiş, president of TGGF; Tarık Sarvan, chair of the board of CW Enerji, along with mayors from various cities and districts participating in the league.

In a compelling address at the ceremony, Bilal Erdoğan emphasized the pivotal role of increasing the number of traditional sports federations in paving the way for success in various disciplines.

As the head of the Ethnosport Confederation, Erdoğan highlighted their global efforts to popularize traditional sports, acknowledging the importance of strengthening institutional structures.

Reflecting on Türkiye’s traditional sports, namely wrestling, equestrianism and marksmanship, Erdoğan advocated for consolidating each under a dedicated federation, envisioning accelerated growth for traditional archery, javelin throwing and oil wrestling.

He credited the support received from government officials, particularly his father, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, for the successful establishment of four federations catering to all traditional sports, fostering significant momentum in these disciplines.

Bilal Erdoğan, underscoring the prominence of oil wrestling in Türkiye’s sports landscape, commended the advancements in both institutionalization and innovative measures taken within the sport.

He expressed optimism for the rapid expansion of oil wrestling, foreseeing wrestlers achieving more significant rewards with less physical strain.

Bilal Erdoğan assured continued support from figures like Tarık Sarvan, affirming that demands for broadcasting rights and sponsorships would persist.

Acknowledging the unique challenges of oil wrestling, Erdoğan concluded by emphasizing the ongoing efforts to implement more refined regulations each year, aspiring to elevate the viewing experience, attract increased sponsorship and cultivate a robust grassroots foundation for the sport.

TGGF President İbrahim Türkiş took the stage to share the ardent commitment invested in advancing oil wrestling to new heights.

Remarking on his tenure of 1.5 years, Türkiş conveyed the honor of undertaking the responsibility for the cherished sport of oil wrestling.

He spoke of tireless efforts made around the clock to enhance the sport, taking into account the desires of wrestling enthusiasts.

Engaging with numerous stakeholders, Türkiş underscored the inevitability of establishing the league after comprehensive evaluations.

Türkiş acknowledged the imperfection inherent in any venture but stressed the importance of taking action to avoid stagnation.

Looking ahead, he promised an even more splendid spectacle for the entire nation in the coming year.

Touching upon recent challenges, Türkiş mentioned a deviation from their initial plans due to the unfortunate events in Palestine.

Despite initially planning a different event, the prevailing circumstances led to a modified program that maintained a degree of acceptability.

Türkiş expressed hope for witnessing the end of oppression and violence in the near future.

Tarık Sarvan also shared his thoughts, expressing gratitude for the remarkable turnout after embarking on the positive journey a year ago.

He credited Türkiş for the success, acknowledging the collective efforts that brought everyone together.

The culmination of the event featured the presentation of trophies and plaques, with Orhan Okulu, the season’s champion, receiving the prestigious gold belt from Bilal Erdoğan.

The festivities concluded with a group photo capturing the essence of the memorable occasion.

Source: Daily Sabah

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In Turkish trampoline gymnastics, one name is resonating louder than ever – Tuba Bade Şahin, a 14-year-old dynamo, who recently clinched a silver medal at the Trampoline Gymnastics Junior World Championship.

This rising star is not merely content with this historic achievement; she has her sights set on an even loftier goal – an Olympic medal.

Şahin, who secured the second spot in both the individual and synchronized events alongside her teammate Ada Kanat in the Junior World Championships held in Birmingham, England, is not resting on her laurels.

Amid the celebratory echoes of success, she shared her joy with Anadolu Agency (AA), recounting her journey to victory.

“Preparation was key for us in the championship in England. I believed in my abilities and efforts, and it paid off. I clinched the silver in the individual category and replicated the feat in the synchronized event with my partner Ada Kanat,” Şahin said.

The roots of Şahin’s gymnastic prowess trace back to the age of four when she embarked on her sporting journey with artistic gymnastics.

Eventually transitioning to trampolining, she demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, amassing Turkish championships and European medals along the way.

“I owe my entry into gymnastics to my active childhood. My parents enrolled me in gymnastics, starting in Isparta and later continuing in Samsun due to my father’s appointment. It’s been a decade of gymnastics for me, and my journey has been incredibly rewarding,” she added.

But for Şahin, this is just the beginning.

With her eyes fixed on the distant horizon, she declared, “My goal is the 2028 Olympics, and I’m committed to putting in the hard work required to make that dream a reality, alongside my coach, Çağdaş Keşkür.”

Speaking of coaches, Keşkür, the guiding force behind Şahin’s success, expressed profound happiness at the fruition of years of hard work.

“Our athlete secured second place globally, a source of immense pride for Samsun. This success is a testament to the years of dedication and effort we’ve invested. Yet, our journey is far from over; we have Olympic quota competitions and European championships on the horizon. The dream is an Olympic medal,” Keşkür said.

Keşkür also extended an invitation to aspiring athletes, emphasizing the need for a larger training facility and new equipment.

“We have a wealth of potential in our team. Trampoline is an incredibly enjoyable sport, and we’re ready to work toward new heights of success,” he added.

Source: Daily Sabah

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Renowned Turkish arm wrestling virtuoso Kenan Eroğlu, a maestro with an impressive collection of 126 medals, has etched his legacy not just as a formidable athlete but as a dedicated coach shaping the futures of aspiring champions.

Eroğlu’s journey, which began 27 years ago in the fitness center of Kocaeli, has transcended the realms of personal triumph to become a narrative of inspiration.

At 47, Eroğlu stands as a testament to the adage that age is just a number.

Emerging from the fitness center fraternity on the advice of arm wrestling enthusiasts and friends, he ascended to the pinnacle of success, securing an astounding 126 medals, including 30 on the international stage, while proudly donning the national team colors.

Beyond his individual exploits, Eroğlu champions the cause of para-arm wrestling as a coach, extending his influence to Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality Kağıtspor, where he molds the next generation of arm wrestling prodigies.

His commitment is not merely confined to the arena but extends to a 4-square-meter (43-square-foot) room in his house, transformed into a mini gym, propelling him to the World Championship in 2016.

In a conversation with Anadolu Agency (AA), Eroğlu delved into the genesis of his journey, recounting the pivotal role played by arm wrestling athletes in the fitness center.

A runner-up in his inaugural national competition, Eroğlu redirected his focus towards arm wrestling, solidifying his position with an impactful debut on the international stage.

Eroğlu’s philosophy transcends the conventional boundaries of sports.

He perceives arm wrestling not just as a display of physical prowess but as a transformative journey that instills self-confidence in athletes.

His words resonate: “Arm wrestling is a power sport; it gives self-confidence to the athletes of this branch.”

This conviction propels Eroğlu to set monumental goals, including the aspiration of becoming a national team athlete.

However, his impact extends far beyond medals and titles.

Eroğlu’s ethical compass steers him toward touching lives in a moral dimension, prioritizing character over achievements.

For him, the true measure of success lies not only in athletic prowess but in becoming a moral compass for youth.

“A moral person ensures that the young people who follow him are also moral. This is more important than his world, European and international success,” he said.

As he ventured into international competitions, Eroğlu’s focus transcended personal glory.

It converged on nurturing the morale and motivation of his young charges.

Despite his age, he remains a formidable force on the podium, driven not by personal accolades but by the collective success of his athletes.

Closing the year with an impressive tally of nine national and international medals, Eroğlu remains steadfast in his pursuit of excellence.

The Turkish Championship in February, followed by the European Championship in Slovakia, beckons, with the pinnacle being the World Championship in Ghana.

Eroğlu’s strategic planning includes recruiting fresh talent from Kağıtspor, highlighting his commitment to raising the bar each passing year.

Source: Daily Sabah

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In the upcoming clash on Wednesday, Turkish Süper Lig reigning champions Galatasaray will host a troubled Manchester United side in the UEFA Champions League Group A reverse leg encounter.

The spotlight is on the Lions’ historical dominance on the pitch as they prepare to vanquish the Red Devils once and for all.

Boasting the title of Türkiye’s most successful football team in international competitions, the Istanbulites have competed in European cups a staggering 312 times.

With victories in the UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup, their track record includes 112 wins, 83 draws and 117 losses across all competitions.

Notably, Galatasaray have crossed paths with English clubs 22 times in European cups, facing off against the likes of West Bromwich Albion, Manchester United, Chelsea, Leeds United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

In these encounters, however, the Lions have secured four wins and eight draws and succumbed to 10 slaughters.

The imminent clash against Manchester United holds significance as it marks Galatasaray’s most-played matches against English teams.

Out of the seven meetings between the two teams, all in the Champions League, they have shared victories twice, while three matches ended in a draw.

Galatasaray managed to net seven goals in these bouts, while their English counterparts scored 10.

Galatasaray’s home advantage against Manchester United has been noteworthy, remaining undefeated in three encounters.

The historical matchups between the two teams include four games in England and three in Istanbul, where Galatasaray impressively kept a clean sheet.

One of the unforgettable encounters dates back to the 1993–1994 season when the Lions locked horns with the Red Devils in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round.

Despite being considered the underdogs, Galatasaray secured a 3-3 draw in the first match and advanced by completing the rematch with a 0-0 score, causing a major upset in European football.

The head-to-head record of Galatasaray against Manchester United in UEFA competitions is as follows:

Oct.20, 1993: Champions League: Manchester United 3-3 Galatasaray

Nov. 3, 1993: Champions League: Galatasaray 0-0 Manchester United

Sept. 28, 1994: Champions League: Galatasaray 0-0 Manchester United

Dec. 7, 1994: Champions League: Manchester United 4-0 Galatasaray

Sept. 19, 2012: Champions League: Manchester United 1-0 Galatasaray

Nov. 20, 2012: Champions League: Galatasaray 1-0 Manchester United

Oct. 3, 2023: Champions League: Manchester United 2-3 Galatasaray

At Old Trafford, the Lions stunned everyone by rallying from behind, turning a 2-1 deficit into a remarkable 3-2 victory.

Notably, Manchester United have struggled in away matches against Turkish teams, securing only three wins in nine matches, accompanied by two draws and four losses.

They managed to score eight goals but conceded eight as well.

As the stage is set for the upcoming clash, Galatasaray face a setback with Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez, who was diagnosed with a second-degree strain in the upper left back muscle.

Despite this, the team’s focus remains on securing a victory in front of their home crowd.

With Group A leaders Bayern Munich having already punched their ticket into the knockout stages, the anticipation is high as Galatasaray aim to move up to second place by overcoming Manchester United’s challenge.

In preparation for the clash, Manchester United announced the absence of several key players due to injuries.

Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro will be sidelined, posing a challenge for the English giants.

Galatasaray’s focus is on key players like Kaan Ayhan, Lucas Torreira, Tanguy Ndombele, Wilfried Zaha and the on-fire Mauro Icardi, with expectations of a strong performance at RAMS Park against Manchester United.

The Lions are poised to secure their European journey with a triumph in tomorrow’s match.

Should they outclass Manchester United in front of their devoted fans, a likely outcome, they will elevate their points to seven, establishing a commanding four-point lead over the Red Devils before the decisive last week.

In the unlikely event of an unfavorable result, Galatasaray will gracefully transition to the UEFA Europa League, ensuring their continental quest continues.

Source: Daily Sabah

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In an electrifying surge through the UEFA Nations League Group C, the Turkish women’s football team, under coach Necla Güngör Kıragası, clinched four consecutive victories without a single goal slipping past their determined defense.

This triumphant streak has earned them a well-deserved promotion to the B League, highlighting meticulous planning and three years of concerted effort by the team.

Kıragası, the mastermind orchestrating this success story, shared insights during an interview with Anadolu Agency (AA) at the TFF Hasan Doğan National Teams Camp and Training Facilities.

She reflected on the accomplishment of their ambitions this year and the joy of exceeding targets set three years ago.

“This journey unfolded step by step, with each milestone bringing us closer to ultimate happiness. When we assumed control of the team three years ago, we set our sights on the Nations League. We meticulously crafted the team’s core squad and game plan during this period. Assessing our competition in the UEFA Nations C League, we identified teams we could dominate with our style of play, devising strategies accordingly. The result speaks for itself. Before the tournament kickoff, we laid out our aspirations to the players: go undefeated, secure a spot in the B League with six wins out of six, and maintain an impenetrable defense,” Kıragası said.

Having conquered the first four matches with a flawless record, the team now sets its sights on the B League, where Kıragası anticipates facing tougher adversaries.

“Our approach in the C League was a steadfast defense in the 3rd zone, executing set plays with precision. In the B League, the dynamics will shift towards the 2nd zone, demanding smoother transitions and pitting us against formidable opponents. Our goal is not merely success in the B League; we aim to establish the Turkish national team as a force with a well-defined game plan. The journey from the Nations League to the European Championship is on our horizon, and we intend to tread that path with gusto,” she added.

Highlighting the growing popularity of women’s football, Kıragası expressed satisfaction with the attention her players garnered.

“The girls are now basking in the same limelight as the boys. The motivation is intrinsic; my players understand the transformative nature of this process. It’s a pivotal moment for them, as girls in football are finally getting the recognition they deserve. Motivation takes care of itself; all I do is set the goal, and they’re already doing what’s necessary,” she remarked.

Acknowledging the significance of initiatives like TFF and Ülker’s “Star Girls of the Future” project, Kıragası emphasized its impact on nurturing talent and building the women’s national team’s infrastructure.

“This project, with its digital reach spanning across borders, has the potential to discover and guide young talents from Türkiye and beyond. The tremendous support we received in Elazığ and Çorum, breaking attendance records, fuels our optimism for the future. It’s not just about winning matches; it’s about inspiring a community, and for that, I express my heartfelt gratitude to our supporters,” she added.

Ecem Esen, a midfielder in the national team, echoed the team’s elation at achieving their goals and expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received from fans during matches in Anatolia.

“In the B League, we aim to be a team that knows its objectives and relentlessly strives for them. The support from our fans is a driving force that propels us to give our best on the field,” Esen said.

Source: Daily Sabah

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In the upcoming clash on Wednesday, Turkish Süper Lig reigning champions Galatasaray will host a troubled Manchester United side in the UEFA Champions League Group A reverse leg encounter.

The spotlight is on the Lions’ historical dominance on the pitch as they prepare to vanquish the Red Devils once and for all.

Boasting the title of Türkiye’s most successful football team in international competitions, the Istanbulites have competed in European cups a staggering 312 times.

With victories in the UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup, their track record includes 112 wins, 83 draws and 117 losses across all competitions.

Notably, Galatasaray have crossed paths with English clubs 22 times in European cups, facing off against the likes of West Bromwich Albion, Manchester United, Chelsea, Leeds United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

In these encounters, however, the Lions have secured four wins and eight draws and succumbed to 10 slaughters.

The imminent clash against Manchester United holds significance as it marks Galatasaray’s most-played matches against English teams.

Out of the seven meetings between the two teams, all in the Champions League, they have shared victories twice, while three matches ended in a draw.

Galatasaray managed to net seven goals in these bouts, while their English counterparts scored 10.

Galatasaray’s home advantage against Manchester United has been noteworthy, remaining undefeated in three encounters.

The historical matchups between the two teams include four games in England and three in Istanbul, where Galatasaray impressively kept a clean sheet.

One of the unforgettable encounters dates back to the 1993–1994 season when the Lions locked horns with the Red Devils in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round.

Despite being considered the underdogs, Galatasaray secured a 3-3 draw in the first match and advanced by completing the rematch with a 0-0 score, causing a major upset in European football.

The head-to-head record of Galatasaray against Manchester United in UEFA competitions is as follows:

Oct.20, 1993: Champions League: Manchester United 3-3 Galatasaray

Nov. 3, 1993: Champions League: Galatasaray 0-0 Manchester United

Sept. 28, 1994: Champions League: Galatasaray 0-0 Manchester United

Dec. 7, 1994: Champions League: Manchester United 4-0 Galatasaray

Sept. 19, 2012: Champions League: Manchester United 1-0 Galatasaray

Nov. 20, 2012: Champions League: Galatasaray 1-0 Manchester United

Oct. 3, 2023: Champions League: Manchester United 2-3 Galatasaray

At Old Trafford, the Lions stunned everyone by rallying from behind, turning a 2-1 deficit into a remarkable 3-2 victory.

Notably, Manchester United have struggled in away matches against Turkish teams, securing only three wins in nine matches, accompanied by two draws and four losses.

They managed to score eight goals but conceded eight as well.

As the stage is set for the upcoming clash, Galatasaray face a setback with Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez, who was diagnosed with a second-degree strain in the upper left back muscle.

Despite this, the team’s focus remains on securing a victory in front of their home crowd.

With Group A leaders Bayern Munich having already punched their ticket into the knockout stages, the anticipation is high as Galatasaray aim to move up to second place by overcoming Manchester United’s challenge.

In preparation for the clash, Manchester United announced the absence of several key players due to injuries.

Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro will be sidelined, posing a challenge for the English giants.

Galatasaray’s focus is on key players like Kaan Ayhan, Lucas Torreira, Tanguy Ndombele, Wilfried Zaha and the on-fire Mauro Icardi, with expectations of a strong performance at RAMS Park against Manchester United.

The Lions are poised to secure their European journey with a triumph in tomorrow’s match.

Should they outclass Manchester United in front of their devoted fans, a likely outcome, they will elevate their points to seven, establishing a commanding four-point lead over the Red Devils before the decisive last week.

In the unlikely event of an unfavorable result, Galatasaray will gracefully transition to the UEFA Europa League, ensuring their continental quest continues.

Source: Daily Sabah

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The fifth week of the UEFA Europa Conference League promises to deliver riveting moments as Turkish Süper Lig giants will be in action – Fenerbahçe facing Nordsjaelland away, while Beşiktaş hosts Club Brugge on Thursday.

Fenerbahçe will be on a mission to stamp their authority at the pinnacle of Group H as they aim to vanquish Nordsjaelland once and for all.

With nine victories and a single defeat in 10 European matches this season, the Yellow Canaries are well poised to advance into the knockout stages with either a win or a draw.

Ismail Kartal’s men, securing nine points with three wins in four group matches, currently reign supreme at the summit of the group ahead of Nordsjaelland with seven points, Ludogorets with six and Spartak Trnava with a solitary point.

In their previous encounter in Istanbul, Fenerbahçe painted Kadiköy yellow as always as they emerged victorious with a 3-1 score against their Danish rivals.

If Fenerbahçe manage a draw on Thursday, provided Ludogorets drop points against Spartak Trnava, they will secure a spot in the next round with one match to spare.

In the final week of Group H, the Yellow Canaries will host Spartak Trnava, while Ludogorets and Nordsjaelland will face each other in a crucial battle.

Setbacks

Ahead of the Nordsjaelland match, Fenerbahçe will be without the services of seven players due to injuries.

Alexander Djiku, Rodrigo Becao, Mert Hakan Yandaş and Ferdi Kadıoğlu will be forced to watch from the stands, while Serdar Aziz, Fred and Miha Zajc are not expected to feature in the Danish clash.

However, with the Joshua King and Michy Batchuayi fully fit and firing on all cylinders, Fenerbahçe’s gaffer, Ismail Kartal, will be expected to call upon the services of this exciting duo.

This season, the two players have directly contributed to 12 goals in European matches.

Batshuayi, appearing in nine out of 10 matches, scored four goals and provided three assists, while Joshua King, in seven European appearances, netted three goals and provided two assists.

In response to the defensive challenges posed by injuries to Becao, Djiku, and Serdar Aziz, and with Samet Akaydın not listed in the UEFA squad, coach Kartal deployed Oosterwolde-Yusuf Akçiçek in the central defense against Ludogorets.

With Kadıoğlu’s injury, Kartal will have to explore options in this area.

Kartal will have to contemplate fielding Crespo alongside young talent Yusuf Akçiçek in the center of defense, moving Oosterwolde to his natural position as a left-back.

In the right-back position, Osayi-Samuel is expected to secure his spot.

Including Yusuf Akçiçek in the starting XI, Ismail Kartal will complete the squad by reinforcing it with promising players from the youth academy.

Muhammet İmre, Furkan Onur Akyüz, Efekan Karayazı, Ahmet Necat Aydın, and Kaan Akyazı are anticipated to be included in the squad.

Synthetic turf

The Right to Dream Park, hosting Nordsjaelland’s matches with a capacity of 10,300 spectators, stands out with its 100% synthetic surface.

Due to weather conditions in Denmark, Nordsjaelland plays its matches on synthetic turf, prompting Fenerbahçe to tailor their preparations accordingly.

The Yellow Canaries will step onto the field with special cleats for the artificial surface and thermal materials to combat the expected -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit) temperature at the match hour.

During the Nordsjaelland tie, Fenerbahçe will mark their 265th appearance on the continental stage.

Having played 264 matches in European tournaments, Fenerbahçe boast 104 victories, 105 defeats and 55 draws.

They have netted 355 goals while conceding 374.

Fenerbahçe suffered their only defeat in European competitions this season in the UEFA Europa Conference League, losing 2-0 to Ludogorets in the group stage.

After showcasing a remarkable performance with nine consecutive victories in qualifiers and group matches, Fenerbahçe seek redemption by securing a positive result in Denmark.

Eagles’ wet wings

Moving on to the struggling Beşiktaş, the Black Eagles will host Belgian side Club Brugge.

Beşiktaş, having secured one draw and suffered three defeats in the four group stage matches, sat at the bottom of the group with a single point, eliminating their chances of progressing after a 2-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt in the fourth week.

On the other hand, Club Brugge, leading the group with 10 points from three victories and one draw, have already guaranteed their spot in the knockout stage.

The first encounter between the two teams in Belgium ended in a 1-1 draw.

Absences

Beşiktaş face a significant number of absentees ahead of the Club Brugge clash.

Necip Uysal, who received a red card in the last match against Bodo/Glimt, will sit out for this one.

Additionally, due to injuries, Daniel Amartey, Eric Bailly, Jean Onana, Salih Uçan, Milot Rashica, Rachid Ghezzal, Valentin Rosier and Arthur Masuaku are sidelined.

Beşiktaş, entering their 241st match in European competitions against Club Brugge, have a record of 90 victories, 48 draws, and 102 defeats in previous matches.

Familiar foes

The Black Eagles have faced Belgian teams nine times in European competitions.

Despite not quite a satisfactory record, Beşiktaş secured two victories, draw draws, and three defeats.

Notably, the 1996-1997 season saw Beşiktaş drawing 0-0 away and winning 3-0 at home against Molenbeek in the UEFA Cup first round.

Familiar territory

Beşiktaş has reached the quarterfinals in European competitions three times.

In the 1986-1987 season, Beşiktaş advanced to the quarterfinals of the European Cup.

They replicated this feat in the 2002-2003 UEFA Cup and the 2016-2017 UEFA Europa League.

Beşiktaş achieved their largest victory in European competitions during the 2018-2019 UEFA Europa League second qualifying round, defeating Faroe Islands representative B36 Torshavn 6-0.

Conversely, they suffered their most humiliating defeat in the 2007-2008 UEFA Champions League, losing 8-0 to English side Liverpool.

Source: Daily Sabah

The post Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş Brace for Thrillers in Conference League Pursuit appeared first on Ankara Haftalik.

Seven-year-old Ahmet Hasan Yıldız, inspired by his enduro racer father, Sezgin Yıldız, clinched the Turkish Motocross Championship in the fiercely contested 50 cc class.

The young motocrosser from Izmit Akmeşe embarked on his journey into the world of motocross at the tender age of 4, under the watchful eye and guidance of his proud father.

Yıldız, eager to follow in his father’s tire tracks, dedicated himself to rigorous training sessions at the Super Enduro Race Track in Akmeşe.

This year marked his debut in the Turkish Motokros Championship, a decision that would soon prove to be the catalyst for a meteoric rise.

The inaugural leg of the championship faced an unexpected hurdle, with adverse weather conditions forcing the cancellation of the 50 cc group races.

Undeterred, Yıldız showcased his commitment by entering the second leg races in Balıkesir Gönen on June 10-11.

The young talent exhibited exceptional prowess, securing 3rd place in the first stage and an impressive 1st place in the second stage of the two-day event.

His winning streak continued in the third leg race held in Istanbul Çatalca on Sept. 16-17, where he dominated both races, claiming the top spot.

Displaying resilience and skill, he further solidified his position in the championship during the 4th leg race in Gönen on Nov. 4-5, clinching second place and leaving competitors in his wake.

The crowning moment came in the fifth leg final races in Afyonkarahisar on Nov. 25-26, where Ahmet Hasan Yıldız emerged triumphant in the 50 cc class to clinch the Turkish Motocross Championship title.

In a post-race interview, the elated young champion expressed his pride, saying: “I worked hard. My last race was on a very muddy field. I was very happy when I heard that I was the champion.”

Yıldız’s sights are now set on a loftier goal – the world championship.

Sezgin Yıldız, his father and a seasoned bakery manager with a racing background, emphasized his son’s natural talent.

“We felt it. His reflexes were good, his speed was very good,” he said.

Reflecting on the journey, he highlighted his son’s remarkable feat of completing all races without a fall, highlighting his son’s exceptional driving quality.

Source: Daily Sabah

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