Turkey beats Iceland at home in the Nations League
Benfica’s winger was equally important in the third goal for the Turks. Kokçu was also a starter
Turkey, with Benfica players Orkun Kokçu and Kerem Akturkoglu starting, beat Iceland 4-2 on the fourth day of group B4 of the Nations League .
Playing at home in Reykjavik, Iceland found themselves ahead from the very beginning. Oskarsson , played deep, ran from the edge of his own half, entered the area and fired a shot past Cakir.
Turkey fought back and had Kerem Akturkoglu try to fight back – Kokçu had a more discreet first half. Even so, the Turks, led by Vincenzo Montella, failed to create many clear goal-scoring opportunities and Iceland went into the break ahead.
Turkey came back strong in the second half and immediately gave a warning in the 49th minute. Calhanoglu tried to cross, the ball deflected off an Iceland player and hit the post. Valdimarsson made a great save from Kahveci ‘s header .
In the 51st minute, Yildiz, who had been on fire in the second half, shot just wide. In the 53rd minute, Turkey were awarded a penalty and Calhanoglu managed to convert it. However, the goal was disallowed as the Turkish captain slipped and touched the ball twice when he was about to take the shot.
The equalizer would eventually come in the 63rd minute, with a great goal from Kahveci . In the 67th minute, another penalty for Turkey and Calhanoglu took responsibility again and, this time, put the ball in the back of the net and legally.
Close to the 77th minute, there was controversy in the Turkish penalty area. Demiral (ex- Sporting ) cleared the ball on the goal line and the Iceland players were asking for a handball. After listening to the VAR’s instructions, the referee did not signal anything and let play continue.
In the 83rd minute, Iceland equalized. A cross from the right wing by Fridriksson and Gudjohnsen headed the ball into the back of the net.
In a stop-and-go game, Akturkoglu , in the 84th minute, shot weakly but Valdimarsson saved . The Benfica player would prove to be decisive. The winger put pressure on the Iceland goalkeeper, who was surprised and ended up losing the ball, which fell to Arda Guler to make it 3-2, in the 88th minute.
The best moment of the night came from Kerem Akturkoglu . The Benfica striker scored a great goal in the 90+5′ minute, and sealed the game.
Turkey has 10 points and leads the group. Iceland has four points.
