Read 3 minutesUpdated: June 14, 2026 06:09 PM IST
Whenever the FIFA World Cup rolls into town, the world is introduced to countless fans who come from all corners of the globe to support their respective countries. This World Cup is no different for the 22-year-old Scotland fan who has walked over 4000km from Los Angeles to Boston, already achieving viral sensation status. There were also videos of the Ducks walking around wearing Mexico jerseys.
On Sunday, the Internet found another viral fan, this time from Turkey. The fan nicknamed Udi Neco (real name: Necdet Ölçerman) is a supporter of the Besiktas club and the Turkish national team, and his striking appearance in the gallery during matches Turkey and Australia Captivated the internet.
According to Hungarian news portal Telex, Olkerman has painted his face jet black except for his hair and beard, which is his primary color of black and white in support of Besiktas. He is also a former member of the Turkish Gendarmerie, the national military-law enforcement agency, and has also met with Beşiktaş President Hasan Arat. He has a large social media presence and has appeared in most Besiktas and Turkish national team matches.
Meanwhile, Turkey did not get off to a good start in the World Cup, losing their first match 2-0 to Australia. The pre-match focus was on Turkey’s Arda Guler, but Australia’s young attack made the difference.
Australia were prepared to absorb the pressure and break quickly, with Mohamed Toure — back from illness — leading the way alongside Nestori Irankunda.
Their pace and directness provided a constant outlet on the counter, which saw the Turkish side dominate possession but struggle to create clear-cut chances.
When Irankunda combined pace and control with a composed finish for his sixth international goal in the 27th minute, the 20-year-old underlined why he is regarded as one of Australia’s brightest talents.
Turkey enjoyed more possession and registered more shots on target, but were unable to translate that superiority into goals.
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Australia were compact and disciplined throughout, closing down space and limiting Turkey’s effectiveness in the final third.
Guler saw plenty of the ball but repeatedly ran into the gold shirt wall, with Australia picking him out when he tried to play in dangerous areas.
Goalkeeper Patrick Beach proved his pick with a number of key saves in front of Matthew Ryan, ensuring Australia’s defensive effort remained under constant pressure.
Australia next face the US in Seattle after the co-hosts opened their campaign with a 4-1 win over Paraguay on Friday.