Güler: We leave with some pride; hoping to play in the World Cup again

Although Turkey's early elimination was already confirmed, they finally showed their true colors with a 3-2 comeback victory against host nation USA.

After the match, Güler told FIFA: "Today we finally won. We can return home with a little more pride."

This match marked Turkey's first World Cup appearance since 2002, when they reached the semi-finals and finished third. However, their start to this tournament was disappointing, and their resurgence came too late.

After losing their opening match to Australia, Turkey fell behind Paraguay early in their second match. Despite their opponents playing with one fewer man for much of the second half, they could not equalize. In their first two matches, the team created numerous scoring opportunities but failed to convert them.

Going into the final group match against hosts USA with elimination confirmed, team captain Kenan Yıldız had promised they would score the goals that had eluded them and exit the tournament with dignity. The team delivered on this promise.

Turkey began slowly, conceding a goal early in the match. However, Güler, one of the most promising young talents in world football, stepped up and sparked a turning point.

He scored the equalizer, becoming the youngest goalscorer for Turkey in FIFA World Cup history at 21 years and 150 days old, breaking a record set during the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup. "Hopefully we can make everyone happy again in the future," he said.

At Dignity Health Sports Park, facing pressure from the home crowd, Turkey took the lead in the first half.

Güler said: "We knew we had this level, but we saved this performance for the last match."

He was named Player of the Match.

Although the USA equalized later, Turkey held firm. In the final moments, when a draw seemed inevitable, substitute Ayhan delivered the decisive blow with a goal that made it 3-2, capping off this night of redemption.

Güler also spoke about the team's future: "Players like me and Yıldız, although both born in 2005, have become important members of the squad. We hope to show the same level and fighting spirit in future matches and tournaments."

"We want to keep competing in the FIFA World Cup, perform better for the national team, and bring more joy to our country."

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