News
/
football
/
First international cap: VfB star finally gets his reward

SportfootballFIFA World Cup

First international cap: VfB star finally gets his reward

2 hours ago7 min read

In a moment that felt both inevitable and long overdue, Atakan Karazor, VfB Stuttgart's midfield anchor and captain, finally earned his first international cap for Turkey, coming on as an 81st-minute substitute for Kaan Ayhan in a tense 2-0 victory over Bulgaria. For followers of the Bundesliga, Karazor’s ascent has been a masterclass in persistence and tactical intelligence, a narrative of a player who orchestrates play with the quiet authority of a Sergio Busquets, yet whose path to the national stage had been curiously blocked until now.His debut, though brief, was symbolically immense, occurring in a match where Turkey solidified their second-place standing in Group E behind a seemingly unstoppable Spanish juggernaut. The decisive second goal, an own goal from Bulgaria's Atanas Chernev, arrived shortly after Karazor’s introduction, allowing the team and its newest recruit to breathe a collective sigh of relief.The analytics tell a compelling story of Karazor’s worth; at Stuttgart, he has consistently ranked among the Bundesliga's top midfielders for ball recoveries and progressive passes, a metronome whose work often goes unnoticed by casual observers but is absolutely vital to his team's structure, much like how Xavi Hernández was for Barcelona. This call-up was not a gift but a reward for seasons of relentless, refined performance.Now, the focus shifts to the colossal direct showdown with Spain this Tuesday. While the mathematical possibility of topping the group remains, Spain's staggering +14 goal difference effectively makes Turkey’s mission one of consolidating their playoff position.For manager Vincenzo Montella, integrating a player of Karazor’s profile—a disciplined, positionally-aware destroyer who can also launch attacks—could be the key to navigating the high-pressure, knockout-style matches that define the playoffs. The road to the World Cup is paved with such calculated gambles on emerging talent, and Karazor’s belated international arrival may well be the strategic pivot that fortifies Turkey’s midfield for the challenges ahead, proving that sometimes the most impactful players are those who have patiently honed their craft away from the brightest spotlights.

#featured

#Atakan Karazor

#Turkish national team

#international debut

#World Cup qualifiers

#VfB Stuttgart

#football

Stay Informed. Act Smarter.

Get weekly highlights, major headlines, and expert insights — then put your knowledge to work in our live prediction markets.

Related News

48 minutes ago

Sunday Night Football: How to watch the Detroit Lions vs. Philadelphia Eagles game tonight

23 hours ago3 comments

Oklahoma vs. Alabama NCAA college football game today: Kickoff time, channel, where to stream and more

1 day ago1 comments

The YouTube TV Disney blackout continues: How to watch NCAA football this weekend

1 day ago3 comments

Why Georgia football commit Jared Curtis improvised on highlight-reel touchdown catch

2 days ago11 comments

Fantasy Football: Here are our bold predictions for Week 11

2 days ago3 comments

Our staff picks for the CIF-SS high school football playoffs in the High Desert

2 days ago2 comments

Chase, Jefferson lead Week 11 fantasy football wide receiver rankings

2 days ago1 comments

Texas High School Football: No. 13 Allen holds off Lewisville

3 days ago10 comments

Florida football tumbles in SP+ rankings after Week 11 loss at Kentucky Wildcats

3 days ago1 comments

Football Manager bosses address disastrous launch of new game.

3 days ago8 comments

Starmer's 'Sincere Regret' Over Football Regulator Appointment of Labour Donor

3 days ago2 comments

George Lucas museum to open across from Coliseum during 2026 USC football season

4 days ago9 comments

WATCH: Ohio State football head coach Ryan Day previews UCLA matchup set for Saturday

4 days ago9 comments

Starmer apologises for donor's football regulator role in early ethics test for Labour

4 days ago5 comments

Week 12 college football picks, predictions: Is the market putting too much faith in Arch Manning?

Comments

Loading comments...