Turkey captain Yilmaz retires after penalty miss

Turkey captain Burak Yilmaz has called time on his international career after his late penalty miss in the World Cup play-off defeat by Portugal last night.

Fernando Santos' Portugal were seemingly in control of the contest after first-half goals from Otavio and Diogo Jota put them 2-0 in front. However, Lille striker Yilmaz cut the deficit with 25 minutes to go and then had a golden opportunity to level the score from the penalty spot.

However, the 36-year-old failed to convert from 12 yards and the match ended 3-1 to the hosts.

"If I had scored, it would have been difficult for Portugal," Yilmaz said afterwards.

"I missed, but why? I'm in shock as well," he told the Turkish media.

"I would like to cut to the point. Today [Thursday] was my last match with the national team. There needs to be a change.

"It is a final decision stripped of emotions, one that is taken rationally. This change needs to happen."

In total, Yilmaz scored 31 goals in 77 international appearances for Turkey and represented his country at both Euro 2016 and Euro 2020.

Turkey last reached the World Cup finals back in 2002, when they finished third.