Montella, Turkey win respect with entertaining Euro 2024 run

BERLIN : Turkey narrowly missed matching their best ever European Championship finish in Germany, but the team that arrived with little reason for optimism left with something that cannot be read in statistics - respect.

Vincenzo Montella's men bowed out in Saturday's 2-1 quarter-final loss to the Netherlands after a late own goal, capping a string of high-octane performances that had made the Turks must-watch football as one of the tournament's most entertaining teams.

"I look at the future with much more confidence and clarity," Montella said. "My opinion after this European Championship is that Turkey will be seen with different eyes in the future, probably with more respect."

Roared on by one of the largest and loudest fan bases, Turkey provided plenty of thrills, which Montella chalked up to more than simply tactics and game plans. Turkey's rip-roaring run, he said, came because of his team's spirit.

"Everyone gave a bit extra in terms of their soul," Montella said after Turkey upended Austria in the last 16, firmly wresting the dark horse tag from the Austrians. "You can only win matches such as these if there is a soul within the squad."

There was little reason for Turkey to be optimistic before the tournament kicked off. The Euro 2008 semi-finalists had failed to advance beyond the group stage of their previous two tournaments, and have not qualified for a World Cup since they finished third in 2002.

They also were winless in four friendlies this year, including a 6-1 thrashing by Austria that Montella called a stain on his career, making their last-16 revenge all the sweeter.

They played with hunger and heart that Dutch manager Ronald Koeman said made them a tough opponent.

Tough even playing without suspended captain