Before the start of the World Cup, hardly anyone could have expected that Turkey would already “sign” capitulation after the second round and say goodbye to the World Cup already in a group in which, hands down, it was probably the main favorite along with the USA to advance to the knockout phase. To make matters more painful, the Turks haven’t even played the match with the host yet, and they have already lost against Australia (0:2) and, well, Paraguay this morning (0:1), against whom they spent the entire half playing with one more player.
In both matches, Turkey dominated, was the team with more chances, but remained without points. The star of Real Madrid and the Turkish team Arda Güler he was especially disappointed after the debacle.
– I will do my best to make people forget this tournament during my representative career. We play for very big clubs and we should have shown that on the field. We failed to show it, we failed. We conceded a goal early in the game. There is not much to say. We are very sad and feel ashamed. We apologize to all our people. We will do our best in future tournaments. We play for big clubs and we had to show that.
The captain also shared his impression Hakan Çalhanoğlu.
– We shoot, but the ball doesn’t go in. We shoot and hit the post. We were unlucky. They had only one chance and converted it into a goal. This was an experience from which we can all learn something. We should be proud of ourselves; we didn’t get here easily. Look how far we’ve come… New tournaments are ahead of us.
The footage after the referee’s final whistle could have been an excellent illustration of the shame and disappointment felt by the Turkish national team. Mert Müldürwho hit the post during the match, burst into tears, and the Juventus winger was also inconsolable Kenan Yildiz.
The Turkish people were impatiently waiting for the release Vincenzo Montelawhich is apostrophized as the main culprit of the defeat. At the end of the duel, there were speculations that the Italian could end his “Turkish” adventure after three years already on the eve of the duel with the USA, but at the press conference he did not show any signs of leaving.
– We had 65 shots in two games! I won’t even mention possession! Fate was not on our side! I told my players to keep their heads up. As it is sometimes said, there is nothing above fate. I’m very, very sorry. The expectations of our nation were high. And our expectations were also high. I’m sorry on behalf of the Turkish Football Association, I know how hard they worked. I know how hard our football players worked.
A particularly emotional monologue followed.
– I have been in football for 35 years; things like this usually happen once in 50 years, but they happened to us in two games. We had 65 shots in two games. Not to mention possession of the ball… Fate was not on our side! I told my footballers to keep their heads up. You cannot escape from fate. I always look at how much work, effort and determination my football players have shown. I see their spirit on the field. Everyone showed incredible desire. They fought until the very end in both games. My support for them will be unconditional. No one was spared; everyone worked hard and fought. Unfortunately, it didn’t work…
