Montella says Turkiye has proved critics wrong

Turkiye coach Vincenzo Montella said his team, by defeating the Czech Republic 2-1 on Wednesday to reach the last 16, showed that criticism of its Euro 2024 performances was unfair.

Montella's side earned a tense victory over the 10-man Czechs to reach the knockout phase of a major tournament for the first time since a run to the Euro 2008 semifinals.

Turkiye, which has been roared on by vociferous support in Germany, had struggled in a 3-0 loss to Portugal last time out, putting its hopes of qualifying from Group F in peril.