LOS ANGELES, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Türkiye coach Vincenzo Montella expressed disappointment after his side's World Cup elimination, while urging support for the players ahead of their final Group D match against the United States on Thursday.
Türkiye lost 2-0 to Australia and 1-0 to Paraguay, leaving it with no points heading into its last group fixture.
"Obviously, we're upset and disappointed - myself most of all," Montella told a pre-game press conference on Wednesday.
"But I'm also very motivated for the future, and especially for tomorrow. So, I'm asking the country to support these guys and stand by them, because they, too, are very upset, and I'm so sorry," the Italian said.
Forward Kenan Yildiz, 21, also addressed the media and reflected on Türkiye's struggles in front of goal.
"It's really difficult that we haven't yet scored in two games," he said. "Statistically, we're in first place in several categories: shots, duels in the opponent's half. In both games we did well, but that's how it is in football - statistics don't win the games. They scored the goals, and we went out," Yildiz said.
Yildiz said the squad remains determined to put in a strong performance in its final match.
"We had high expectations - all of our country was supporting us and thought we'd come very far. I want to say sorry to the fans who came here to watch our matches and support us. I know it's disappointing, but for the last game, we're going to try our best to attack, and I'm sure we'll score in our last game," Yildiz promised. ■
