Turkey had a lousy European Championship. The team had high expectations with big stars like Burak Yılmaz, Caglar Soyuncu and Hakan Calhanoglu, but they failed miserably. After three straight losses, they went home with the pillow of shame.
Just over three months later, it was time for the World Cup qualifiers for Turkey. On Tuesday night, they faced the group leader Nederland in Johan Cruijff arena – and it was not a fun trip.
The Leicester star sent off in the first half
After just one minute, Davy Klaassen put 1-0 after a beautiful attack. A quarter later, Memphis Depay extended to 2-0 and in the 40th minute of the match, the humiliation was total. The home team got a penalty kick, Depay stepped forward and through a panenka penalty, 3-0 was a fact.
Then it just got worse for the guests.
Midfielder Caglar Soyuncu, on a daily basis in Leicester City, picked up his second yellow card and was thus sent off.
– It is officially a nightmare half for Turkey, says commentator Christoffer Kviborg in C More.
In the second half, Depay completed his hat-trick when he nodded in from close range 4-0. At the same time, the full hit meant that Depay has now scored as many goals in the national team as the legendary Johan Cruijff, according to Goal. Both are on 33 hits.
The match eventually ended 6-1 and the result meant that the Netherlands, coached by Louis van Gaal, lead the World Cup qualifying group. Norway has the same number of points (13) but a worse goal difference. Both teams have played six matches.