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Türkiye's head coach Vincenzo Montella expressed his deep disappointment after the national team was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup following a 1–0 defeat to Paraguay in their second Group D match.
Speaking after the game at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Montella said the result was painful for both the team and Turkish supporters.
“There was huge expectation from the Turkish people, and I am very disappointed,” he stated.
“There was a huge expectation from the Turkish public, and we are very disappointed,” Montella said, adding, "Fate was not on our side; my players gave everything, we are very sorry.”
He noted that football does not always reflect statistical dominance and that his side had taken numerous shots across the group stage but were unable to break down their opponents effectively in decisive moments.
The Italian coach emphasized that his squad, composed largely of young players, had shown commitment and progress throughout the competition. He also underlined the importance of consistent participation in international tournaments for long-term development.
“We must keep competing in tournaments consistently. That experience is crucial for development,” he said, adding that criticism is easy, but the team gave everything on the pitch.
Paraguay head coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his team’s tactical discipline after their 1–0 victory, which secured progression from Group D.
Alfaro said his side had thoroughly analyzed Türkiye’s playing style and executed their tactical plan effectively. While acknowledging that Türkiye enjoyed greater possession and created more scoring chances, he credited his players for maintaining structure and defensive organization throughout the match.
He further highlighted the mental resilience of his squad during a challenging tournament period, describing the victory as a significant step for a team that had prepared extensively for the competition.
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