Kahveci: Arda's goal is brilliant, but this A Ligi was tough for us

Making its first appearance under Sergen Yalçın, the national team hosted Belgium in İzmir in Matchday 5 of Group 1 of the UEFA Nations League. Belgium won the match 2-1. The home side had taken the lead in the 20th minute with a free-kick goal from Arda Güler.

Belgium equalized in the 27th minute through De Bruyne. The result was decided by De Ketelaere's goal in the 30th minute. Commenting on the match on the Kontraspor YouTube channel, Nihat Kahveci said that conceding two goals within three minutes was very painful at this level.

Kahveci said Arda Güler played effectively throughout the match and described his long-range free-kick goal as brilliant. He argued that the young player should be supported and used better. "This A Ligi was tough for us," said Kahveci, who reminded that the national team had lost 7 of its last 8 official matches, with the only win coming against America.

Turning to the striker choices, Kahveci said Enes Ünal and Deniz Gül could not be played together. He noted that Deniz Gül stayed on the bench due to Osimhen's injury and was used as a third striker. On Berke Özer, Kahveci argued that he should publicly admit his mistake.