In a thrilling final day of the UEFA Nations League (UNL) Group B4, Turkey’s hopes of securing automatic promotion were dashed after a 3-1 defeat to Montenegro. Despite the game being of little consequence for Montenegro, who were already relegated to League C for the next cycle, Turkey had everything to play for. However, Nikola Krstović’s stunning hat-trick sealed Turkey’s fate, as Wales’ victory over Iceland meant the Welsh side surged ahead to claim the top spot in the group.
Montenegro’s Early Chances and Disallowed Goal
The match started with Montenegro eager to finish their campaign on a high note despite their relegation. They thought they had taken the lead early on when Nikola Krstović brilliantly rounded Turkey’s goalkeeper Mert Günok and set up Stevan Jovetić for an easy tap-in. However, the linesman raised his flag for an offside, denying Montenegro what would have been a deserved lead.
This brief reprieve for Turkey was short-lived, as Montenegro’s attacking intent remained strong. Just minutes later, Krstović, seizing on a defensive lapse, raced behind the Turkish defense and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, sending Montenegro 1-0 up.
Turkey’s Quick Response, But Montenegro Hits Back
Turkey didn’t waste much time responding. Almost immediately, Kenan Yıldız found the equalizer, sweeping home a precise cut-back from Orkun Kökçü after a clever break down the wing. The game was level, but the momentum shifted once more as Montenegro proved they would not roll over.
On the stroke of halftime, Krstović delivered a spectacular strike, hammering a long-range effort into the top-left corner that left Turkey’s goalkeeper with no chance. The powerful shot gave Montenegro a 2-1 lead, a goal that not only stunned the visitors but also shook their hopes of securing automatic promotion, with Wales’ lead over Iceland filtering through to Turkey’s bench.
Turkey’s Struggles and Krstović’s Hat-Trick
In the second half, Turkey frantically chased the game, knowing that only a win would guarantee their spot in League A for the next Nations League cycle. But despite numerous chances and a string of shots on goal, Igor Nikić, the Montenegro goalkeeper, proved to be a formidable barrier, keeping Turkey from finding the net.
Things went from bad to worse for Turkey in the 71st minute when Montenegro’s Ognjen Gašević delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, which Krstović met with a perfectly timed header. The ball looped into the far corner, completing Krstović’s hat-trick and almost certainly sealing Turkey’s fate as they now faced relegation to a playoff.
Turkey’s Missed Opportunity and The Road Ahead
At this point, Turkey knew that their hopes of automatic promotion were all but extinguished. With news of Wales’ ongoing lead against Iceland, Turkey’s dreams of an immediate return to League A faded. They did try to find a late consolation goal, but it was clear that their campaign had ended on a sour note. The final whistle confirmed the inevitable – Turkey will now have to face a third-placed team from League A in the play-offs to determine which tier they will compete in for the next Nations League cycle.
This result provided a bittersweet ending to Montenegro’s campaign. While they will play in League C next season, their win over Turkey at least allowed them to save face, demonstrating their resilience despite the relegation already confirmed.
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Conclusion: Turkey’s Heartbreak, Montenegro’s Triumph
Turkey’s failure to secure automatic promotion in Group B4 was a harsh reality. Despite their early promise and a valiant attempt to bounce back after conceding, Montenegro’s Nikola Krstović stole the show with his hat-trick, ensuring his side finished their campaign victorious. However, Turkey’s journey is far from over as they prepare for a nerve-wracking play-off to secure their future in League A. For Montenegro, they can take pride in finishing with a flourish, even as they head to the third tier for the next Nations League cycle.