FOOTBALL – Türkiye coach Vincenzo Montella said he was shocked by the team’s World Cup elimination at the hands of Paraguay early yesterday but held nothing against his players after another fruitless night in front of goal.
Türkiye failed to overhaul the 10-man South Americans, losing 1-0 despite 32 goal attempts, to crash out with a match to spare.
“We create the opportunities, but somehow the ball doesn’t go in,” Italian Montella told reporters.
“The other team gets their moment and scores.
“It’s really shocking to say goodbye to the World Cup after only two matches.”
Paraguay struck with the fastest goal of the tournament so far when Matias Galarza lashed home from long-range on 64 seconds.
Türkiye, widely tipped to challenge the US for top spot in Group D, were also wasteful in their first match against Australia, losing 2-0 despite firing off 30 shots and dominating possession.
“We could certainly have been more accurate, but I don’t feel in a position to hold anything against the players,” said Montella.
“I love these players even more than I did before because they showed heart and soul.
“Football is not logical. That’s what makes it the most beautiful sport in the world.”