Guler’s free-kick magic sparks early drama in Turkey’s Nations League clash with Belgium

Arda Guler produced a spectacular long-range free-kick to put Turkey ahead against Belgium in the 20th minute of their Nations League group match at Gursel Aksel Stadium on Thursday.

The Real Madrid midfielder struck from considerable distance, giving the hosts an early lift in the fifth round of the group stage. Belgium responded quickly, with Kevin De Bruyne equalising in the 27th minute before Charles De Ketelaere put the visitors in front four minutes later.

The match is Turkey’s first competitive test under new manager Sergen Yalcın, who replaced Vincenzo Montella after the Italian left his position following a difficult start to the campaign.

Turkey had lost all four of their opening matches in League A, beginning with a 1-0 defeat by France. They were then beaten 4-1 by Italy, suffered a 3-0 loss against Belgium and went down 3-1 to Italy again.

Those results left Turkey bottom of the group without a point. They had scored only two goals and conceded 11, placing considerable pressure on the previous coaching team and contributing to Montella’s departure.

Yalcın is attempting to restore balance to the side by relying on a group of young players led by Guler, one of Turkey’s principal attacking threats. He also has the experience of Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu, who has extensive international experience.

Belgium approached the fixture with a different objective, looking to strengthen their hopes of reaching the knockout stages. They had recorded two wins from their first four matches, while their two defeats had both come against France.

Manager Mark van Bommel’s squad includes experienced players such as De Bruyne, now of Napoli, and Youri Tielemans. Manchester City forward Jeremy Doku also returned to the Belgium squad after recovering from injury.

The fixture carried added significance because of the teams’ previous meeting on 2 October. Belgium won that match 3-0, with De Bruyne scoring in the 10th and 60th minutes before Romelu Lukaku completed the victory.

Turkey therefore began Thursday’s game seeking a response to that defeat and an end to their losing run in the competition. Belgium, meanwhile, were aiming to collect three points and remain in contention for qualification.

This is Turkey’s first appearance in League A, having been promoted from League B. Their campaign has placed them in a demanding group containing France, Italy and Belgium.

Belgium are also seeking to re-establish themselves among Europe’s leading teams after finishing third in their group in the previous edition of the Nations League.

Turkey’s immediate priority is to avoid direct relegation from League A, although their position remains difficult after losing each of their first four matches.