Result: Venezuela 1-2 Türkiye
Türkiye left Fort Lauderdale with a 2-1 win that gave Vincenzo Montella the confirmation he wanted before the World Cup opener against Australia. On Saturday night his side came from behind against Fernando Batista’s 4-2-3-1, showing the depth of a squad that has spent the spring being drilled on rotations and game management.
Venezuela actually struck first. In the 13th minute Telasco Segovia picked out Gleiker Mendoza, and the winger converted to validate Batista’s decision to keep faith with a youthful attacking line. That advantage held for most of the first half thanks to José Contreras, who produced six saves and commanded a back line that forced Türkiye into patient circulation.
Pressure finally told just before the interval. Barış Alper Yılmaz scored in the 44th minute, the culmination of an extended spell in Venezuelan territory during which Zeki Çelik and Eren Elmalı pushed high to pin the hosts. The equaliser changed the tone immediately.
Montella made his key move at the break, introducing Yunus Akgün for İrfan Can Kahveci and Merih Demiral for Abdülkerim Bardakcı. The impact was instant. An outbreak of frustration brought simultaneous yellow cards for Jon Aramburu, Segovia, and Arda Güler in the 52nd minute, but Türkiye kept their composure. Two minutes later Güler slipped the decisive assist into Yunus, who scored in the 54th minute to complete the turnaround. It was exactly the pattern Montella wanted: fresh legs from the bench altering the rhythm of a match that had been drifting away.
Batista tried to respond with a double change in the 62nd minute, turning to Luís Balbo and Daniel Pereira to re-energise midfield, yet Venezuela never regained their earlier fluency. Seven offsides betrayed their anxiety to break behind Demiral and Ozan Kabak, and although substitutes Kevin Kelsy and Marco Libra brought height and aggression in the final 10 minutes, the supply never matched their intent.
Arda’s 62 minutes were a reminder of his importance. Despite that booking, he led Türkiye with four key passes and the assist for the winner. Barış Alper’s work on the right flank provided a second threat, while Salih Özcan and Hakan Çalhanoğlu ensured control once they entered. For Venezuela the positives were the combination of Segovia and Mendoza plus the resilience of Contreras, yet Batista will be concerned that a strong start dissolved once Türkiye increased the tempo.
Key Statistics
- Shots on target: Venezuela 2, Türkiye 8
- Possession: Venezuela 48 percent, Türkiye 52 percent
- Corner kicks: Venezuela 2, Türkiye 12
- Offsides: Venezuela 7, Türkiye 2
- Saves: José Contreras 6, Uğurcan Çakır 1
Türkiye now fly to their base camp confident that the squad understands Montella’s demands, with the focus turning to Australia. Venezuela head home to continue Copa América preparations knowing the talent is there, but Batista must find a way to sustain the initiative beyond the opening quarter hour.
