Turkey came into the UEFA European Football Championships as one of the favoured outsiders. Manager Şenol Güneş named a strong squad for Euro 2020 with many Turkish internationals playing abroad in Europe’s top clubs.
Yet that quality has been elusive at the national level this past week, with Turkey failing to find its rhythm. They have lost both their Group A games, conceding five goals in the process without finding the net once.
They play Switzerland in Baku on Sunday, 20 June, in their final group game and short of a “miracle”, the Turks face elimination from the tournament.
“We are struggling to achieve a miracle now, and it is with a heavy heart we are leaving,” Güneş told a press conference on Saturday.
The Turkish manager is mindful that Euro 2020 has been a steep learning curve for the squad’s younger players.
“For our young team, the defeat against Italy in our opening game, it felt like the end of the world," the manager said.
“However, it doesn't matter we had bad results in this tournament, because these young men are the future of this country,” Güneş added.
Pride will be at stake when Turkey returns to Baku's Olympic Stadium and according to defender Çağlar Söyüncü they are determined to get at least one win under their belt before they exit the tournament.
"We are devastated to be in this situation. Even if it doesn't save us from going home, we will get the win in our last game against Switzerland," the Leicester City player said ahead of tonight’s game.
Manager Şenol Güneş hoping for a "miracle" at Euro 2020. Photo © Twitter/Milli Takimlar 
