62 shots taken and '0 goals'—is this real? Turkey departs the World Cup with a lonely double defeat... Coach: "Football is not logical"

*This content was translated by AI.

Turkey, which stepped onto the World Cup stage for the first time in 24 years, packed its bags leaving behind the shameful record of 62 shots with zero goals.

Under the guidance of coach Vincenzo Montella, Turkey fell 0-1 to Paraguay in the second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North, Central America and Caribbean, held on the 20th (Korean time) at the Bay Area Stadium in San Francisco, California, USA. Following a 0-2 loss to Australia in the first match, Turkey suffered a second consecutive defeat, confirming their early exit regardless of the outcome of the remaining third match.

Turkey failed to capitalize on a decisive numerical advantage in today's match. In the final moments of the first half, Paraguay's Miguel Almirón was sent off after covering his mouth while speaking to Turkey's Müldür. This was due to the application of FIFA's "mouth-covering prevention" regulation, introduced from this tournament to curb racist remarks and similar offenses.

However, they failed to score despite creating numerous empty chances. Turkey took a total of 62 shots across the two matches—30 against Australia and 32 against Paraguay—but never once shook the back of the net. According to football statistics outlet "Opta," this is the highest number of shots by a team that failed to score in the first two group stage matches since data collection began at the 1966 England tournament.

After the match, Coach Montella said, "We created chances but failed to score. It's shocking to end the tournament in just two matches," while adding, "I have no intention of blaming the players. The fact that football is not logical is what makes this sport the most beautiful in the world," thereby shielding his squad.

However, public opinion is cold. Turkish football fans, angered by the record-breaking goal drought and the team's lifeless performance, have begun calling for Coach Montella's immediate resignation.

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*This content was translated by AI.