Yildiz (calf) recorded six shots (zero on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Australia.
Analysis:
Yildiz checked in at halftime for Baris Yilmaz and instantly gave Turkiye's attack a spark, firing six shots (none on target) while finding pockets of space between Australia's lines with the kind of direct, aggressive play that had been missing in the first half. His introduction was widely viewed as the turning point that transformed Turkiye from predictable to dangerous going forward, though Patrick Beach and Australia's defense ultimately stood tall. Yildiz wrapped up the Juventus campaign with 11 goals and nine assists in 46 appearances, and coach Vincenzo Montella is expected to hand him a spot in the starting XI against Paraguay as Turkiye looks to get its World Cup qualifying push back on track.
