Turkey beats Venezuela 1-2, gains confidence for World Cup return

Turkey secured a confidence-boosting 2-1 victory over Venezuela in a friendly match, a crucial tune-up ahead of their return to the World Cup stage after a 24-year hiatus. The European side came from behind to defeat the South American team in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Venezuela initially took the lead in the 13th minute when Gleiker Mendoza scored with a shot from inside the box. The match was evenly contested until that point, marking the first-ever senior meeting between the two nations.

However, Turkey equalized just before halftime. Baris Alper Yilmaz capitalized on a scramble following a corner kick, finding the net after the ball deflected off the Venezuelan goalkeeper. The winning goal came in the 54th minute from Yunus Akgün, who struck a masterful shot from outside the area, assisted by Arda Güler, leaving the Venezuelan keeper stranded.

This win provides Turkey valuable momentum as they prepare for their World Cup debut on June 14 against Australia. They are placed in Group D alongside co-host United States and Paraguay. This marks Turkey's third World Cup appearance, their last being in 2002. Venezuela, meanwhile, continues its rebuilding phase under new coach Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, having never qualified for a World Cup.