Why FIFA rule change led to Turkey crashing out of the World Cup early after shock loss to 10-man Paraguay - as 'ashamed' star man Arda Guler admits: 'Everyone's crying'

By WILL GRIFFEE

Printed: 05:43 EDT, 20 June 2026 | Up to date: 10:53 EDT, 21 June 2026

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Turkey have been dumped out of the World Cup with a whimper after shedding to 10-man Paraguay – struggling elimination as a result of a brand new rule change.

On the face of it, many would assume a win of their final recreation towards the USA would give them an opportunity of development.

However the guidelines have been modified and now aim distinction isn’t the deciding issue between groups tied on factors of their group.

As a substitute, head-to-head document is taken into consideration and now they’ve misplaced to each Australia and Paraguay, Turkey are assured to complete backside.

Turkey can don’t have any excuses, nevertheless. Miguel Almiron was despatched off for Paraguay for talking behind his hand, one other new rule.

The previous Newcastle winger hid his phrases and the referee was alerted to it simply earlier than half-time.

Turkey’s Mert Muldur appears dejected and in tears after his facet’s elimination on the World Cup

He obtained his marching orders and Paraguay needed to defend for his or her lives having taken the lead by way of Matias Galarza within the first minute.

In complete, Turkey had 62 pictures over their defeats by Australia and Paraguay with out scoring.

They’d quite a few very good openings however contrived to overlook the goal and the gamers regarded disconsolate at full-time.

Actual Madrid star Arda Guler stated: ‘We’re very unhappy, we’re ashamed. We apologize to all our folks.

‘We tried very laborious ‌however it didn’t work. However we must always have scored some targets.

‘We should always have gained these video games… Everyone’s unhappy, everyone’s crying.’

‘I am unhappy, but in addition very pleased with my gamers’, Turkey boss Montella stated in his post-match press convention. ‘They gave their all till the ultimate whistle. Soccer is like that generally.

‘I’m very, very sorry. There have been excessive expectations on behalf of our nation. Our expectations have been additionally excessive. I’m additionally very sorry on behalf of the TFF [Turkish Football Federation]; I understand how they labored. I understand how the footballers labored.

“I’ve been in soccer for 35 years; usually it occurs as soon as in 50 years, however it occurred to us in two matches,’ he stated.

‘There are [62] pictures in two matches! To not point out ball possession. Destiny was not on our facet. I informed our footballers to carry their heads up. As they often say, there’s nothing past future.

‘I at all times have a look at the proportion of laborious work and willpower of our footballers. I have a look at their spirit on the sector. All of them had unbelievable willpower. They fought till the top in each matches.

‘My assist for them can be unconditional. Nobody held again; everybody labored and fought laborious. It did not work, sadly.’