Striking change from the star of the National Team

In the National Football Team, which started the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an unexpected defeat against Australia, the decisions made by Merih Demiral and Eren Elmalı after the loss have come to the fore.

While it was observed that morale was low following the 2-0 defeat in the first match of the tournament, Merih Demiral was among the most talked-about names in the football community.

Immediately after the match, the 28-year-old experienced center-back made a statement, saying, "In our country, bad days are exaggerated. In good days, they are taken too high. We must establish a good balance." While these remarks found wide resonance on social media, they were interpreted by some users as "insensitivity to criticism," and Demiral became the subject of intense debate.

The national defender not only changed his statements but also abandoned his signature crescent-shaped mustache. He was seen to have shaved his mustache during the team's training session in Paris. Eren Elmalı also abandoned his dreadlocks and took part in the training with a classic hairstyle.

News Source: 12punto