Young star Can Uzun scored his first goal for the senior national team, leading Turkey to a convincing victory. Dortmund’s flank specialist also racks up assists in the national jersey.
Young star Can Uzun scored his first goal in the national team jersey in the final stretch leading up to the World Cup, guiding Turkey to a relaxed victory. In a friendly match against North Macedonia on Monday, the Turks won 4-0 (2-0), with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Uzun being one of the most notable players.
Just a few seconds after kickoff, the 20-year-old hit the crossbar. Shortly thereafter, Orkun Kökcü (2nd minute) gave the hosts the lead. In the 16th minute, Uzun himself followed up, scoring his first goal in his fifth appearance for the senior national team. He also provided an assist, crossing for Deniz Gül’s goal (53rd minute) to make it 3-0. Baris Yilmaz (70th minute) later sealed the final score.
Salih Özcan Starts — Arda Güler Comes Off the Bench
In addition to Uzun, Bundesliga professionals Ozan Kabak (TSG Hoffenheim) and Salih Özcan (Borussia Dortmund) were also in the starting eleven. Star player Arda Güler of Real Madrid was only substituted in after 62 minutes.
Next Sunday, Turkey will have their final World Cup dress rehearsal against Venezuela. Vincenzo Montella’s team will then enter the tournament with their opening group match against Australia (June 14th). Their other preliminary round opponents are Paraguay and co-host USA. Qualification is a special achievement for the country; Turkey has only reached a final tournament twice before, in 1954 and 2002.
Nusa and Ryerson Strong: Norway Beats Sweden
Norway has further fueled the euphoria in their home country ahead of their return to the World Cup stage. Coach Stale Solbakken’s team deservedly won 3-1 (3-0) against Scandinavian neighbor Sweden in Oslo on Monday evening – even though their two biggest stars were rested. Striker Erling Haaland (Manchester City) and captain Martin Ödegaard (Arsenal) were given a break for this friendly match between two World Cup participants after demanding seasons with their clubs.
Jörgen Strand Larsen of Conference League winners Crystal Palace scored a brace (8th/37th minute), with both goals assisted by Dortmund’s Julian Ryerson. Antonio Nusa of RB Leipzig also scored in the first half (18th minute).
A goal by David Möller Wolfe (62nd minute) was disallowed for offside, and Norway had further chances to extend their lead to 4-0. After both teams had made numerous substitutions, Sweden got back into the game through Alexander Isak (76th minute). Sebastian Nanasi’s second goal (81st minute) was then also disallowed – for offside.
Norway Cruises to the Finals, Sweden ‘Sneaks’ In
This was the penultimate World Cup warm-up for both teams. Norway will play Morocco next Sunday, while Sweden faces Greece on Thursday. The two teams enter the World Cup under completely different circumstances.
Norway had an outstanding qualification campaign, finishing ahead of teams like Italy in their group and now participating for the first time in 28 years. Sweden, on the other hand, who have been to the World Cup three times this millennium, only just managed to qualify for the tournament through the playoffs after a weak qualifying campaign.
In the World Cup group stage, Norway will face Iraq, Senegal, and France. Sweden will compete against Tunisia, the Netherlands, and Japan.