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One football fan took the term ‘penalty shootout’ a little too literally after Turkey fluffed a golden chance in the World Cup play-offs.
During the semi-final play-off between Portugal and Turkey, and with the score at 2-1 to the Portuguese, Turkey were awarded a last-gasp penalty with five minutes remaining. A goal would have seen Turkey draw level and likely force the game into a period of extra-time.
But Lille forward Burak Yilmaz, who had earlier scored to get his side back into the game, fluffed his lines in spectacular style, blasting his spot-kick high over the bar. A video later emerged on social media of a frustrated Turkey fan aiming a gun at his TV set as Yilmaz stepped up to take the penalty.
After Yilmaz blasted his effort off target, the man could be heard uttering something in Turkish before edging closer to the screen and discharging the firearm. The video turned black and orange in a haze of sparks as the gun completely destroyed the TV set with a huge bang.
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Yilmaz couldn’t make amends for his penalty miss as Portugal added a third goal late on through Matheus Nunes to seal their place in the Path C final against North Macedonia, who shocked Italy. Yilmaz, a veteran of 77 caps for Turkey dating back 16 years, confirmed his retirement from international football after the game.
After the match, an emotional Yilmaz told reporters: “I don’t know how I didn’t score, I’m still in shock. We upset our country. I’m sorry. I’m very sorry. This was my last World Cup chance. As of today, this is over.
“I said to myself it was a definite goal when we got the penalty. I started thinking about the future. I am disappointed because I never thought about missing it. I’m sorry. I’m going to score this penalty every night of my life, maybe without sleep, in my dreams.
“I wouldn’t want to quit after a game like this, but I don’t think it’s right to continue. Thank you to my coaches.
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