The final whistle had blown, and a haunting silence took over the stadium. Turkey's World Cup dream had shattered in just the second match of the group stage. In that exact moment, the living legend of Turkish football, Şenol Güneş, turned to the microphones and delivered the irreversible verdict: "He is responsible; he will answer!"
On the evening of June 20, 2026, Turkey bid farewell to the tournament after a 1–0 defeat against Paraguay in Group D. Following a 2–0 loss to Croatia in the opening match, this result mathematically ended Vincenzo Montella's team's hopes for the round of 16. Şenol Güneş's live broadcast remarks symbolized not just the end of a match but potentially the closing of an era.
Montella's Tactics Under Heavy Fire
The Paraguay encounter once again exposed Turkey's chronic productivity problem in attack. Despite enjoying 58% possession, the team managed only 3 shots on target inside the opponent's penalty area. Their expected goals (xG) figure stood at a meager 0.67, while Paraguay created far clearer opportunities with 1.45 xG. Montella's decision to start Barış Alper Yılmaz and Kenan Yıldız together in the forward line drew sharp criticism, while leaving Salih Özcan isolated in midfield completely disrupted the balance.
The defensive lapse during Paraguay's 73rd-minute corner carried all the hallmarks of an insufficiently rehearsed scenario on the training ground. Santiago Rojas was left completely unmarked at the back post, a moment of sheer disaster for organized defending. That goal increased Turkey's set-piece concessions to 4 in 6 matches during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, plainly revealing the team's weakest link.
Turkey Fires Blanks in Consecutive Matches
Having failed to score throughout the tournament, Montella's side made history as one of three teams unable to find the net in the 2026 World Cup. Producing 0.42 xG against Croatia and 0.67 against Paraguay, the players couldn't beat the opposition goalkeeper in 180 minutes. This drought marks a goal famine never experienced by any Turkish team in a major tournament over the last 20 years. The silence after scoring against Georgia and the Czech Republic at Euro 2024 has pushed the technical staff's credibility to a breaking point.
A Historic Outburst from Şenol Güneş: 'He Is Responsible'
Speaking to the broadcaster after the match, the veteran coach began: "I have always tried to be constructive until today. But the issue is no longer about protecting individuals; it is the future of Turkish football." Güneş directly pointed at Montella as he continued: "He is responsible; he will answer! I hope he has the courage to explain himself to the Turkish football public and the millions whose hearts ache."
These words marked a historic moment as the legendary figure who led Turkey to third place at the 2002 World Cup abandoned his long-preserved diplomatic tone. His outburst was not only aimed at Montella but also indirectly at the football administration that appointed him. Concluding with "everything has an expiration date," Güneş sent a strong signal that the Italian coach's tenure is over.
Behind the 'He Will Answer' Remarks
Behind Güneş's sharp criticism lie not just two match results but tensions accumulated over the past 12 months. The draws against Latvia and defeats against Montenegro during the summer 2025 friendlies had already given early warnings. Montella's communication model with players during camp and assistant coach Daniele Russo's training methods had frequently been topics of behind-the-scenes debate. Şenol Güneş's demand for "answers" represents a call to finally bring these long-simmering issues into the public eye.
Turkey's Brief Story at the 2026 World Cup
Turkey was drawn in Group D alongside Croatia, Paraguay and Saudi Arabia. Following the draw, this was considered a "manageable group," with the target set at securing at least 4 points to reach the round of 16. However, the early goal conceded at the 38th minute against Croatia unsettled the team's mental balance. The second goal at the 72nd minute broke their resistance completely. The Paraguay match was a classic "all or nothing" encounter. Statistics prove that despite appearing superior in ball possession, Turkey displayed overwhelming ineffectiveness in the final third: only 8 shots, 3 on target, and 0.67 xG across 90 minutes.
Although the final group match against Saudi Arabia remains to be played, it is little more than a formality. Turkey risk leaving the 2026 World Cup with 0 points, 0 goals, and a -3 goal difference. This would represent the worst performance since their debut in 1954.
How Were the Chances Squandered in the Group?
Before the tournament, data gave Turkey a 42% chance of advancing from the group. However, on-field details—disconnected attacking organization and a habit of conceding possession under pressure—proved these odds were purely theoretical. The 112 ball losses recorded against Paraguay represent an unacceptable statistic in modern football. Moreover, 23 of those losses occurred in their own half, creating repeated invitations for Paraguay's transitional attacks.
Montella's Future in Question: Will He Resign?
As the final whistle blew, social media and the sports community erupted with one crucial question: will Vincenzo Montella continue in his role? The Italian coach is barely halfway through the 4-year contract he signed in the autumn of 2023. But the results and mounting pressure on the federation's board may force an early departure. When Montella stated at the press conference, "I will not hide behind easy excuses," it sounded like the harbinger of an imminent reckoning.
Should the experienced coach hand in his resignation, Turkey faces upcoming UEFA Nations League matches and the 2028 European Championship qualifiers. The search for a new manager would require considerable time. Şenol Güneş's outburst may well serve as a catalyst to accelerate that process.
Reactions from the Public and Football Figures
Former national team player Rıdvan Dilmen commented on the broadcaster: "This team has been abandoned. Coach Montella appears to have lost his connection with the players." Meanwhile, Nihat Kahveci remarked: "I am speechless. How can the coach of a team that fails to score in 180 minutes be defended?" The hashtag #MontellaResign quickly rose to the top of Turkey's trending topics. On the other hand, some UEFA Pro License holders emphasize that the problem extends beyond just the coach, highlighting the need to address player quality and youth academy deficiencies.
The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has yet to release an official statement after the match. However, insider information suggests the board of directors will convene an extraordinary meeting within the next 48 hours. The decision emerging from that meeting will determine not only Montella's fate but also the trajectory of Turkish football. It seems unlikely that the TFF can remain indifferent to Şenol Güneş's demand for "answers." Now, the ball is in the Milan-born coach's court: will he take responsibility and resign, or will he stay on deck like a captain awaiting the story's end? What do you think — should Montella bid farewell to Turkey, or does he deserve trust for a rebuilding process? Share your views with us.
