Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella was gracious in defeat. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella rued his side’s slow start ​to the World Cup but said it ‌still has time to recover from ​a humbling 2-0 defeat by ⁠Australia in its Group D opener on Saturday.

Returning to the World Cup for the first ‌time since 2002, Turkey dominated possession and camped out around the ‌Australian box but was unable ‌to ⁠break down the resolute green and ⁠gold wall.

“We are extremely saddened,” the Italian said. “We know there is still time to recover ​in the group stage.

“We ‌know that in the beginning, the team has been a little bit slow.”

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Turkey struggled to match Australia physically, ‌with the Socceroos outmuscling their opponents ​in challenges and getting their heads to the ball first at ⁠crosses and corners.

“They’re very tall, so it’s very difficult sometimes,” said Montella.

Australia had ‌few chances but was dangerous on the break as Turkey scrambled to get players back from attacking positions, a cause for concern for Montella.

Turkey is above its next opponent Paraguay on ‌goal difference only and needs to win in ​San Francisco on June 19 to keep its hopes of reaching ⁠the knockout phase alive.

While captain Hakan Calhanoglu’s ⁠pre-match comments that Turkey was more talented than Australia ruffled some ‌feathers, Montella was gracious in defeat.

“They have been very good,” he said.

Published on Jun 14, 2026