Terim: We threw in the towel, Latest Football News - The New Paper
Football

Terim: We threw in the towel

Spain are unbeaten in 14 games at the Euros (11 wins 3 draws) and have not conceded a goal in 690 minutes of action.

Turkey coach Fatih Terim accused his team of throwing in the towel in their chastening 3-0 loss to holders Spain in their Group D clash yesterday morning (Singapore time).

The Turks suffered their second successive defeat and must win their final match against the Czech Republic to have a realistic chance of reaching the second round.

"Today our national team threw in the towel," said Terim.

"You can be sure that I will never accept this. On behalf of my team, I am deeply upset. I will do the necessary thing."

Terim bemoaned the individual errors that cost his team dear, including a woeful header by Mehmet Topal which presented Nolito with a simple chance to score Spain's second goal shortly before half-time.

"We conceded two goals by individual mistakes. One of them was unbelievable," said Terim.

"I congratulate Spain. They are a very important team, a special team.

"First 30 minutes, it was okay but, afterwards, we didn't play well.

"Conceding the second goal made it very difficult for us."

Terim also had harsh words for Turkish fans who booed star player Arda Turan.

"Whatever happens that shouldn't happen," said the Turkey boss.

"The expectations were very high for the team, but nobody deserves that - we need to enjoy being here".

After Spain scored the last of their three goals in the 48th minute, Turkish fans booed the Barcelona player whenever he received the ball.

"Obviously, it made an impact on our team," Terim said.

EMBATTLED

Spain fans chanted Turan's name in response to the booing and in solidarity with the embattled 29-year-old who has been capped 92 times for Turkey, but has received criticism at home for his performance during Euro 2016.

"It's a difficult situation for a player to experience the whistles of your own fans," said Andres Iniesta, Turan's Barcelona teammate.

"It leaves a bad taste in the mouth for me, and for Arda. Afterwards, I wished him the best for the rest of the tournament as I always want the best for my teammates".

Turkey need to beat the Czech Republic in their final match on Tuesday and hope other results go their way to have any chance of progressing as one of the four best third-placed sides from the six groups. - Wire Services.

sportsFootballEuroEuro 2016TurkeySpain