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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Emre Sarigul

Montella reaps rewards of embracing Turkey’s fan culture pandemonium

Vincenzo Montella (left) and Cenk Tosun (right) celebrate after the Euro 2024 last-16 match between Austria and Turkey in Leipzig, Germany
Vincenzo Montella (left) has guided Turkey to the final eight of a major tournament for the first time in 16 years. Photograph: Anadolu/Getty Images

A train grinds to a halt, mid-journey, in Bakirkoy, Istanbul, in front a giant screen. The conductor and passengers hold their breath, praying Turkey hold on to their 2-1 lead against Austria. All of a sudden there is a huge roar: everyone on the train, outside in the fan park and from Green Lanes, London, to Gaziantep erupts with joy.

Turkey, showcasing their distinctive brand of chaos-ball, have booked a quarter-final slot thanks to their goalkeeper, Mert Gunok, pulling off a Gordon Banks-esque save. He turned to a delirious crowd and celebrated as if he had scored. It is bedlam.

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