Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella lamented a ‘shocking’ early exit from the World Cup as they lost 1-0 to Paraguay despite Miguel Almiron’s historic red card.
Matias Galarza’s goal 64 seconds into the contest in Santa Clara gave Paraguay the lead, his long-range effort making the fastest strike of the tournament so far.
Turkey dominated thereafter, with Mert Muldur hitting the crossbar, and their hopes of victory were boosted when Almiron was sent off in first-half stoppage time following a VAR review, becoming the first player to see red for covering his mouth in a confrontational situation, having done so in an incident involving Muldur.
Unsavoury scenes between the two sets of players followed following the half-time whistle, with Turkey continuing to pile pressure on the Paraguay goal after the restart.
Turkey attempted 32 shots on goal but could not find a leveller, meaning they crash out of the tournament while United States win Group D following their victory over Australia. They will play their round of 32 game in the San Francisco Bay Area against a third-place finisher.
Montella praises Turkey ‘heart and soul’ despite elimination
Across their shock defeats to Australia and Paraguay, Turkey attempted 62 shots without finding the net, their profligacy meaning their first appearance at a World Cup since finishing third in 2002 will be one to forget.
Yet Montella still had plenty of praise for his side.
“We create the opportunities, but somehow the ball doesn’t go in,” 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.
“We could certainly have been more accurate, but I don’t feel in a position to hold anything against the players.
“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.
“Perhaps, even unconsciously, the pressure of playing in a major tournament after such a long absence affected us.
“We need to develop the habit of participating in major tournaments. I believe things will improve from there.”
Paraguay still alive despite Almiron red
The decision to make covering the mouth a potential red card offence was introduced in April. The issue came into focus in February during a Champions League game between Real Madrid and Benfica, during which Gianluca Prestianni covered his mouth while confronting Madrid’s Vinicius Junior.
Prestianni was given a prima facie ban for the second leg of that tie after being accused of racist abuse. He was eventually banned for six matches by UEFA for homophobic abuse, with that suspension extended globally by FIFA.
Salvadorian referee Ivan Barton showed no hesitation in dismissing Almiron after being sent to consult the pitchside monitor by the VAR.
Yet Paraguay somehow stood firm to keep their hopes alive ahead of their final Group D game against Australia in Santa Clara next Thursday.
“When we won the game, when the final whistle was blown, I couldn’t believe it,” coach Gustavo Alfaro told his post-match press conference.
“Anyway, I told my players, in line with what I said earlier, that I wanted to see that joy when they look each other in the eyes, and you don’t need any words.
“Everything is boiling, your blood, your chests, everything. And I told them that’s what I wanted to see. I want that fighting spirit … and even if people think we’re dead, we’re not dead.”
