Sports writers evaluate the Iceland victory: 'Running on ice'

In the UEFA Nations League Group B match, our National Football Team faced Iceland away from home. The Crescent-Stars defeated their opponent 4-2 with goals from İrfan Can Kahveci, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Arda Güler, and Kerem Aktürkoğlu.

With this result, the national team increased its points in the group to 10, maintaining its advantage. With this result, Turkey also managed to defeat Iceland away from home for the first time in its history.

Sports writers evaluated this victory by the Crescent-Stars.

Serkan Akcan: "If you want ambition, it's there; if you want spirit, it's there"

Playing in an away match against Iceland has never been easy throughout our history. It was clear that last night would be difficult as soon as we saw the pitch, and it became completely certain with Oskarsson's goal before the 3rd minute was up. However, despite falling behind so early, the ambition of almost every one of our players—from Kenan to Kerem, Arda to Hakan, Orkun to İrfan Can—and the way they put their hearts and souls into the comeback was worthy of praise. (FANATİK)

Caner İşbeğendiren: "Running on ice..."

We experienced a historic victory by toppling Iceland in their own climate, despite starting the game at a disadvantage on a pitch that disregarded athlete safety, which began with debates over whether it would be played or postponed! Despite the challenging conditions, our national team put on a first-class football recital that would put even the best action movies to shame. It was very difficult to play on ice, and staying on one's feet was necessary to win. Running on ice was fitting for 'Our Boys'! (FANATİK)

Ömer Üründül: "Our whole team deserves applause"

I congratulate Montella and all the players; they did what was necessary. If I had to highlight one person, I would say Kenan Yıldız. Oh, Kenan! Why did you have to get suspended due to dissent while you were on the card limit? Our biggest asset yesterday was that we performed far above our expectations in terms of physical strength, despite the fatigue and difficult field conditions. Despite this magnificent victory, we need to learn a lesson. We sometimes ignore defensive security, one of the most important principles of football. We conceded a counter-attack goal away from home in just the 3rd minute. Moreover, on the long ball the opponent sent, our deepest player was caught in the opponent's half, ahead of the center circle. This was a major strategic error. (SABAH)

Levent Tüzemen: "We taught a lesson"

The early goal we conceded in the cold weather and on the slippery pitch that made it hard to stand did not negatively affect the National Team. We were the masters of the game. We pressed high again, won the duels, dominated the ball, pressured the opponent's goal with many players, and trapped Iceland in their own half with 11 men. We proved that we belong in League A with the dignified, high-quality, and intelligent football we played. We defeated Iceland, who are considered the representatives of struggle, in terms of physical strength, and we didn't even let them see the ball. Kenan Yıldız, Kerem, Arda, İrfan Can, Captain Hakan, and Orkun never got tired. Kenan especially played for three people and literally tore apart Iceland's right side. Montella has a golden generation in his hands. They cut our path at EURO 2024. These players deserve to go to the World Cup. Because we have a group of players who do not accept defeat, do not give up, and have made winning a habit. (SABAH)

Güntekin Onay: "Victory without a center-forward"

I really liked the game and the struggle of our national team yesterday. While all the players who wore the jersey did their best, let us state that we liked Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Kenan Yıldız, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, and Arda Güler the most. It is a fact that Arda Güler would be much more efficient if we had a center-forward. In the end, we achieved a wonderful victory. Heartfelt congratulations and thanks to everyone who contributed... I really liked the game and the struggle of our national team yesterday. While all the players who wore the jersey did their best, let us state that we liked Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Kenan Yıldız, Kerem Aktürkoğlu, and Arda Güler the most. It is a fact that Arda Güler would be much more efficient if we had a center-forward. In the end, we achieved a wonderful victory. Heartfelt congratulations and thanks to everyone who contributed. (HÜRRİYET)

Burak Akın: "It's a shame for Montella"

During the Vincenzo Montella era: -We won away against Croatia for the first time in our history. -We finished top of the group in the European Championship Qualifiers for the first time in our history. -We won away against Iceland for the first time in our history. -Vincenzo Montella became the manager with the highest win percentage among those who have managed at least five official matches in the history of the National Team (67%; 8/12). With the situation as it is and the statistics clear, it is incomprehensible that Vincenzo Montella is being questioned at the slightest setback and that names are being suggested to replace him. It is also worth remembering the process before and after EURO 2024. The coach has proven his worth with team management and on-field results, and he deserves great appreciation and credit. (HÜRRİYET)

Bilal Meşe: "No stopping, keep going boys"

I was a bit pessimistic before the match, but our national team turned all our hopes into reality. No matter what anyone says, we have the most talented squad of recent years. Undoubtedly, the biggest factor in this is the numerical superiority of our legionnaire players. Montella is very lucky in this regard. However, neither Montella nor we have been able to solve this striker issue, my friend! This time we saw Kerem up front against Iceland. Is Kerem supposed to both wrestle with opponents, dribble past players, create positions, and score goals? Set him free, let him play where he wants, don't lock him in a cage, he won't miss, just like he did yesterday... (MİLLİYET)