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Türkiye is back at the FIFA World Cup after 24 years, arriving in Vancouver for their Group D opener with the hopes of a nation behind them.
The last time the A Milli Takim played on this stage was in 2002, when they finished third. After a long wait, the moment has arrived.
Türkiye worked hard to reach Vancouver. They finished second in UEFA Qualifying Group E, just three points behind 2010 World Cup winners Spain, and then fought through the playoffs.
Ferdi Kadioglu scored the winning goal, and Kerem Akturkoglu added another in Pristina against Kosovo, securing qualification and ending a 24-year wait for the World Cup.
BC Place Stadium, which opened in 1983 and hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics ceremonies and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup final, is the site of Türkiye's return.
With a capacity of about 54,500 fans, the Vancouver stadium is a fitting setting for a match that means more than just three points in Group D.
Youth and Sports Minister Osman Askin Bak, Turkish Football Federation President Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino are all in the stands as Vincenzo Montella's team gets ready to start.
The event is drawing attention far beyond the field.
Montella has chosen an ambitious starting eleven.
Hakan Calhanoglu leads the team from central midfield, with Ismail Yuksek and Orkun Kokcu beside him. Arda Guler, Baris Alper Yilmaz, and Kerem Akturkoglu make up the attack, a front line from some of Europe's top clubs, ready to make an impact.
The match begins with both teams starting the match with determination. Türkiye tries to control the ball through Calhanoglu, while Australia presses high to disrupt their play.
The tension from waiting 24 years is clear as the first minutes play out under the BC Place roof.
The momentum changes in the 27th minute. Nestory Irankunda gets a pass from Paul Okon-Engstler and scores to put Australia ahead.
It is the first setback for Türkiye and completely changes the match.
Montella makes changes at half-time, bringing on Kenan Yildiz for Baris Alper Yilmaz.
In the 62nd minute, Yunus Akgun comes on for Kokcu. These moves show urgency, but Australia's defense holds strong and gives Türkiye few chances.
Connor Metcalfe made it certain in the 75th minute by scoring Australia's second goal.
This ends any hope of a Turkish comeback and gives the Socceroos a strong 2-0 win in their Group D opener
Venezuelan referee Jesus Valenzuela ends the match. The final whistle confirms Türkiye's 2-0 loss, a tough start to a campaign that fans have waited over 20 years for. Australia takes three points, and Türkiye must regroup.
The result puts Türkiye under early pressure in Group D, but the group stage is far from over. Matches against Paraguay on June 20 in San Francisco and the United States on June 26 in Los Angeles are still to come.
These are two chances to revive a campaign that started with disappointment in Vancouver.
Türkiye's World Cup return did not start as they hoped, but their journey is not over.
The 2002 squad, which finished third, proved what this team can do. With two matches left, the A Milli Takim still has time and reason to change its story.
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