Fury in Turkey After World Cup Flop: "The Little Aeroplane" Should Fly Home

Turkish media showed no mercy to the national team after their World Cup exit, following two defeats – a 0-1 loss to Paraguay today and a 0-2 defeat to Australia days earlier. The team registered 62 shots on goal across both matches without finding the back of the net.

"A real catastrophe," wrote the newspaper "Fotomaç," accompanying its commentary with a photo capturing the tears of most players after their second loss.

World Cup matches are broadcast live on bnt.sportal.bg. The platform will stream all 104 matches from the World Cup 2026 schedule in real-time.

Another major newspaper, "Fanatik," pointed the finger of blame at head coach Vincenzo Montella, also known as "The Little Aeroplane." The Italian coach was highly regarded in the country after leading Turkey to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals, but is now being accused of tactical blunders.

On TRT Spor television, former international Ilker Yakcioglu went even further. "Montella dug his own grave. I have a lot to say, but I will refrain. The match against Paraguay was a final. The players showed that the criticism after the first game was justified. It's inexplicable, Montella shot himself in the foot," he stated, as quoted by BTA.

Former Turkey striker Nihat Kahveci singled out Arda Güler, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, and Kerem Aktürkoğlu as culprits. "Those who should have taken responsibility didn't. The players who should have scored weren't up to par. We made a million passes and attempted 500 thousand shots, but we didn't score. We're eliminated on June 20th from a tournament that runs until July 19th. It's tough. Montella's substitutions were also disappointing. I am sad and furious at the same time."

Renowned former referee Ahmet Çakır also joined the chorus of critics. "I'll send Montella packing on the first plane out. This is a serious blow for us. It infuriates and disgusts me. You ruined the celebration for 85 million people," he declared.