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Hakan Çalhanoğlu talks up Turkey

Midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu says Turkey have been "waiting impatiently" for their opening game against Croatia – and believes "showing our talent" will give them a good shot at glory.

Turkey's Hakan Çalhanoğlu talks to the media
Turkey's Hakan Çalhanoğlu talks to the media ©Panoramic

Hakan Çalhanoğlu on ... a long wait
We've been waiting impatiently for this day to come. This will be a big day, for all our country. We are ready for the match and we've prepared well. We've done what was necessary; our coach Fatih Terim has prepared us well and we feel good. Now let's hope we get a good result.

Hakan Çalhanoğlu on ... the preparation period
We've gone 14 or 15 matches with only one defeat. As a team, we've developed very well. I am hoping that, against good opposition, we can maintain the same team spirit on the field. We shouldn't forget that Croatia are tough opponents. But if we play in our own style, if we show our talent, we have a good shot.

Hakan Çalhanoğlu on ... Turkey's match winners
There are lots of players with that capability. Anyone can do anything on the pitch, including me. I hope we're lucky enough for that opportunity to arise. We'd like to keep going beyond the group and we are hoping to get three points.

Hakan Çalhanoğlu on ... his free-kick technique
Of course there have been players I’ve looked up to in the past. I love David Beckham and Juninho Pernambucano. But now I have found my own style.

Hakan Çalhanoğlu on ... the tournament prospects
All the UEFA EURO 2016 groups are difficult. Spain might look like the favourites in ours but for me anything can happen in this group. All the members of our team take great pleasure in playing for Turkey. We have young players and experienced ones. We have a good atmosphere within the squad.

2008 highlights: Turkey oust Croatia on penalties