[83195] Turkish National Team in shock: Disappointing loss to Australia in the 2026 World Cup

Shock in the Turkish national team: 0-2 loss to Australia in the World Cup

The Turkish national team opened its journey in Group D of the 2026 World Cup with a disappointing 0-2 loss to the Australian national team. In a report by İhlas Haber Ajansı, it was noted that despite some control on the pitch, the team showed a slow start and conceded twice from counterattacks, which led to pointed public criticism.

Coach Vincenzo Montella, as quoted by GALATASARAY BAŞAKŞEHİR CANLI, admitted that the opponent displayed a dense defense and that "we conceded two goals from counterattacks." Montella added that he accepts the criticism: "Even if I don't think the criticism is fair, I accept it because we lost" (according to GALATASARAY BAŞAKŞEHİR CANLI).

Montella's decisions regarding the squad were at the center of the discussion. FENERBAHÇE HABERLERİ confronted the coach with questions about the non-inclusion of Can Uzun and the late substitutions. Montella replied that "we couldn't find a place" for the player due to the need to keep Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız. On the other hand, Haber Gündem reports that football commentator Nihat Kahveci sharply attacked the coach and defined his choices as a "disappointment."

Within the team, defender Merih Demiral tried to calm the spirits: "We are aware of everything, we will try to represent the country in the best way possible in the two remaining matches" (according to GALATASARAY BAŞAKŞEHİR CANLI). Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu also expressed cautious optimism, noting that "nothing is lost yet" (according to FENERBAHÇE HABERLERİ).