Türkiye edges past Germany, clinching 3-2 friendly win in Berlin

Germany's recent revival ended in the first home game of new coach Julian Nagelsmann on Saturday when they were beaten 3-2 by Türkiye in a friendly international.

Kai Havertz gave Germany a dream start by opening the scoring in the fifth minute but Türkiye turned around matters before half-time from Ferdi Kadioglu in the 37th and teenager Kenan Yildiz in stoppage time.

Germany were level in the 49th from Niclas Füllkrug but a harsh penalty converted by Yusuf Sari allowed Turkey to get a 71st-minute winner in Berlin's Olympic Stadium where Turkish fans outnumbered the German supporters.

It was the first defeat for Germany since the September sacking of Hansi Flick. Germany beat France 2-1 under caretaker Rudi Völler and Nagelsmann started his job with a 3-1 against the United States and 2-2 against Mexico.

The setback comes three days ahead of their last game of the year on Tuesday against Austria in Vienna, and shows that Nagelsmann has a lot of work ahead to form a competitive team for the Euro 2024 home tournament, especially in defence.

Turkish coach Vincenzo Montella meanwhile made it three wins out of his first three games, even though some stars were injured and others rested ahead of their final Euro qualifier in Wales where the already qualified team can clinch first place in their group.