Montella reaps rewards of embracing Turkey’s fan culture pandemonium

Montella reaps rewards of embracing Turkey’s fan culture pandemonium

Unlike his predecessors, the Italian has the team leaning into their passionate side as fairytale run continues

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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