'Extraordinary' scorer Calhanoglu to miss Austria game

Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella lauded captain Hakan Calhanoglu as the “complete player” after a rocket of a goal helped beat the Czech Republic 2-1 on June 26, firing them into the knockout stage of the European Championship for the first time in 16 years.

The midfielder put Turkey ahead in the 50th minute with a venomous shot into the far corner of the net using the outside of his boot, sparking hysteria in Hamburg among Turkey’s army of fans.

The Czechs – now eliminated – had levelled through Tomas Soucek before Turkey’s Cenk Tosun sealed the win in stoppage time and with it second place in Group F behind Portugal.

Montella said Calhanoglu’s finishing was world class.

“He’s a very complete player. He can play all over midfield,” the former Italy striker said.

“He managed to score an extraordinary goal. If you look at the way he took the shot, there are few players in the world that can take a shot like he does.

“And sending the ball to the far corner using the outside of your foot, he’s an extraordinary player. And he’s an extraordinary man.”