The Turkish community in Shepparton is preparing for a unique World Cup opener versus Australia.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Shepparton’s Turkish community is gearing up for a day of celebration and unity ahead of a FIFA World Cup match-up with Australia.
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All eyes in the land down under will be on the Socceroos’ opener at the finals in the Americas on June 14, with Tony Popovic’s side aiming to make an immediate impact in Group D.
The boys in green and gold enjoyed a run to the knockout stages four years ago in Qatar, exiting the competition at the last-16 stage at the hands of eventual winners Argentina.
This time around, Australia will be tasked with navigating match-ups against Türkiye, the United States and Paraguay.
For the Goulburn Valley’s Turkish community, the Group D opener against the Socceroos will be symbolic of the unique relationship between the two countries.
Turkish soccer stars made their mark at the city’s Nations Cup earlier this year, as they prevailed in the Grand Final of the competition up against Afghanistan down at John McEwan Reserve.
Led by eventual Player of the Tournament, Hakan Yildiz, the likes of Mehmet Uysal and Khan Benice lit up the showpiece final in Shepparton as Türkiye lifted the cup following a nail-biting penalty shootout.
Among their coaches that day was Shepparton’s Mehmet Sut, who first arrived in Australia some 26 years ago, making his home in Victoria after growing up in the city of Istanbul.
Turkiye made its mark at the Shepparton Nations Cup final earlier this year.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
He spoke with pride as he expressed his love for the two nations he has called home, as he looks forward to Türkiye’s first appearance at a FIFA World Cup since 2002.
“It’s very exciting after 24 years because the last time was back in 2002,” he said.
“Opening game, we’re watching at Shepparton Showgrounds with Australian fans and, if Turkiye goes the distance we’ll be looking forward to celebrating around Shepparton!
“We’re looking forward to seeing the Turkish national team have success again and this opening game against Australia is also very special because I was 23-years-old when I first arrived in Australia.
“I’m 49 now and it’s a mixed feeling for myself, playing against Australia - either way, I feel like I can’t lose!
“It’s like a draw - because from the bottom of my heart, I follow Australia as well.
“After this game, I’ll be cheering for the Socceroos every single Australia game.”
With a plethora of talent at his disposal, Türkiye head coach Vincenzo Montella will be hoping to lead his team to the knockout stage after nearly a quarter of a century following the nation’s last appearance at the finals.
“We’ve got Arda Güler, Kenan Yıldız, and Hakan Çalhanoğlu, they’re all good players for big European clubs with a lot of experience behind them,” Sut said.
“Hopefully everything goes well and the Turkish national team goes the distance, hopefully to the quarter-finals - that’s my prediction.”
