Merih Demiral spoke clearly: We will take our country to the World Cup

In the 6th and final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers Group E, A National Football Team drew 2-2 with Spain at La Cartuja Stadium. Answering the questions of the press members after the match, national footballer Merih Demiral said, "In Hakan Abba's absence, it was up to me to make that speech today before the match. If we hadn't been down to 10 men in the last 10 minutes due to Yusuf's injury, we could have won the match. We never gave up. We showed the necessary struggle on the field. I am very proud of all my teammates."

Evaluating the play-offs to be played for the World Cup, Demiral said, "It doesn't matter who will qualify. What matters is our performance. I believe in this, we will play the first match inside. I hope we will play the second game inside as well. It doesn't matter for the opponent, it's not very important. If we show the necessary performance and dedication, hopefully we will take our country to the World Cup."

'WE ARE AWARE OF OUR TALENT'

Emphasizing that the technical committee and the players were very motivated for this match, the 27-year-old footballer said, "Everyone was motivated for this match, both the coach and the players. We were aware of our talent and we had to show it on the pitch. We had a very unfortunate result in the first match. Today, despite conceding an early goal, we put the necessary character on the pitch. There may be absentees. There are 25 players coming to the national team. All of them have quality. Some play, some don't, but everyone shows the necessary support. I think this is the most important. Because everyone is talented, everyone is a good footballer in their clubs. That's why they deservedly come to the national team. If we put the necessary dedication and character on the field, there is no club in the world that we cannot beat. I believe in this."

Upon being reminded that they played with a 3-man defense against Spain, Merih Demiral said, "Sometimes we play with 3. It depends on the coach's discretion. It makes no difference for us. Of course, this is a secret weapon, we play like this against some teams."

Finally, Demiral said about the World Cup: "Our nation wants it very much, we want it very much. Hopefully, we will reflect the necessary struggle and self-confidence on the field in March. We will be at the World Cup, I believe it with all my heart," he concluded.