Montella Laments Turkey’s Misfortune as Own Goal Seals Euros Defeat to Portugal

Vincenzo Montella expressed his disappointment on Saturday after Samet Akaydin’s own goal contributed to Turkey’s 3-0 loss to Portugal, jeopardising their chances of advancing to the Euro 2024 knockout stage.

Akaydin’s wayward backpass trickled into his own net shortly after Bernardo Silva’s 21st-minute strike, allowing Portugal to secure an easy victory and clinch the top spot in Group F.

The head coach remarked, “We had our chances and we didn’t capitalise, they punished us for every little error. It was an even match and the bad luck of the second goal — which can happen in football — changed the balance of the game.”

“It was a fairly obvious misunderstanding. Every now and again it happens and unfortunately it happened to the team I manage, I would have preferred it to happen to the opposition but there you go.”

Turkey now need at least a draw against the Czech Republic in their final group match on Wednesday to ensure they finish second in the group and move on to the last 16.

Montella found solace in his team’s performance amidst a fervent crowd of Turkish fans in Dortmund.

“For long periods of the match we played on the same level as one of the best teams at this tournament. They were just more clinical than we were,” added Montella.

“They have more players used to playing in matches like this and maybe that made a difference.”