Kerem Aktürkoğlu: Our fans should forgive us

Following the Turkish National Football Team's defeat to Australia in their first World Cup match, Kerem Aktürkoğlu shared his feelings after the game. Speaking to the microphones after the match, Aktürkoğlu stated that they were prepared for the opponent's defensive, closed-off play and quick counterattacks; however, he expressed that the team as a whole could not prevent these counterattacks.

Emphasizing that they found clear goal-scoring opportunities during the match but failed to capitalize on them before conceding goals themselves, the national footballer said, "We knew they would close down and look for counterattacks. As a team, we couldn't stop the counterattacks. We missed a goal, then we conceded the first goal. While we were lamenting... falling behind while playing well and having possession is demoralizing. Players like us needed to be better."

Aktürkoğlu tried to keep the team's morale high with the words, "Everything is in our hands, we will keep our heads up. We will learn from our mistakes. There is no need to look for someone to blame."

"Our fans should forgive us. We made them wake up early, we wanted to gift them a victory, but it didn't happen. We will do what is necessary to win the remaining matches," he said, both apologizing and offering hope for the upcoming games.