Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella lamented his side’s slow start to the World Cup but said the country still has time to bounce back from a humbling 2-0 defeat to Australia in the Group D opener on Saturday.
Turkey returned to the World Cup for the first time since 2002, dominating possession and camping around the Australian box, but were unable to break down the resolute green and gold wall.
“We are extremely saddened,” said the Italian. “We know there is still time to recover in the group stage.
“We know the team was a little slow in the beginning.”
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Turkey struggled to match Australia physically, with the Socceroos outsmarting their opponents in challenges and getting their heads to the ball first on crosses and corners.
“They are very long, so it is very difficult sometimes,” Montella said.
Australia had few chances but were dangerous on half-time as Turkey scrambled to bring players back from attacking positions, a cause for concern for Montella.
Turkey are only above their next opponents Paraguay on goal difference and need to win in San Francisco on June 19 to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stages alive.
While captain Hakan Calhanoglu noted before the match that Turkey had more talent than Australia, Montella was gracious in defeat.
“They’ve been really good,” he said.
Published on June 14, 2026
