20.06.2026 11:51
The National Football Team lost 1-0 to Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Merih Demiral apologized to the fans, saying, "This is the match I regret the most." Describing Vincenzo Montella's meeting with the team after the match, Merih Demiral said, "He congratulated us for our effort, and he was also very upset. He was pleased with everyone's effort because we gave it our all. Anyone from outside can comment, but believe me, everyone did their best."
The National Football Team lost 1-0 to Paraguay in the second match of Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held in the San Francisco Bay Area. After the match, national footballer Merih Demiral made statements to the press. Stating that all responsibility lies with them, Demiral said, "We sincerely apologize to all our people, we are very sad. I apologize again to all our people, to all the Turkish people for upsetting them. There is nothing else to say, I don't know what to say. Such moments can happen. We apologize to everyone again. Everyone is very sad. I have been coming to the national team for years, this is the match I am most saddened by. Everyone is already very emotional. We are very sorry. That's why we apologize to all our people. I can't find any other words to say."
"WHEN IT DOESN'T HAPPEN, IT DOESN'T"
The 28-year-old footballer, stating that they took 70-75 shots in two matches but it still didn't work out, said, "When it doesn't happen, it doesn't. We are really experiencing the sorrow of that. I believe we fought, we did our best in both matches. We got results we never expected. It shouldn't have been like this. We are all responsible. We sincerely apologize to all our people we have hurt and saddened. Now we have the America match ahead. Hopefully, we will finish it in the best way. Everyone is very sad now, but there is one more match. Hopefully, we will represent the national team in the best way and conclude the tournament like that."
"ONE SHOULDN'T MAKE EXCUSES"
Emphasizing that pressure is part of football, the national footballer said, "Of course there is pressure on us, but that's no excuse. One shouldn't make excuses. As I said, all the responsibility is on us without any excuse. We could have done much better, but we couldn't. This is football, such days can happen. So as I said, we are very sorry. We are really very sorry, I just came from the locker room, everyone is very sad. Hopefully, to make up for this, I will do my best in the national team in the future to make our people forget this. All my teammates will do the same."
"EVERYONE DID THEIR BEST"
Merih Demiral, explaining that National Football Team Head Coach Vincenzo Montella held a team meeting after the match, said, "He congratulated us for our effort, he is also very sad. He is pleased with everyone's fight. Because we did our best. Outsiders can comment, but believe me, everyone did their best. I see the team. Everyone did their best, but when it doesn't happen, it doesn't. There are such things in football; there are good days and bad days. All responsibility is on us. We could have done much better. Beyond doing much better, we could have advanced from the group. So all responsibility is on us. Once again, I sincerely apologize to all our people."