Masterful Akturkoglu secures Türkiye’s victory
Benfica forward scored a hat-trick against Iceland, in a match in which Kokçu started on the bench. In the same group, Wales won on their visit to Montenegro

After a false and somewhat sleepy start against Wales (0-0), Turkey secured their first three points in the group stage of Division B of the Nations League on Monday . In their home match against Iceland, the Turks won 2-1.
Unlike what happened in Cardiff, this time it was Kokçu who was benched and Akturkoglu who started. Coach Vincenzo Montella’s gamble on Benfica ‘s latest signing proved to be a sure thing. Akturkoglu didn’t need long to show his worth and, after just 2 minutes of play, he put the Turks ahead
Iceland reacted and, close to the break, tied the match through Victor Pálsson (37′). In the second half, with Kokçu back on the pitch, Akturkoglu (52′) once again said ‘present’ and re-established the Turkish lead with a true masterpiece.
In the 58th minute, Benfica’s latest signing warned of what was to come and saw his hat-trick disallowed for offside early in the move. However, Akturkoglu was on fire and determined to take the ball home. Towards the end of the match, after receiving a beautiful pass from Arda Guler , the ‘Harry Potter’ performed his magic again and completed a dream performance with the hat-trick.
Wales also secured their first three points in the same group . Craig Bellamy’s men won 2-1 away to Montenegro . Kieffer Moore opened the scoring for the visitors in the first minute and Harry Wilson (3′) then made it 2-0.
After a blistering start to the game, Wales lost steam and even allowed Montenegro to reduce the deficit in the 73rd minute through Driton Camaj .