Australia to encounter 'emotional' Turkey after 24-year wait for World Cup success

Turkey have not featured in a World Cup finals since they came third at the ‌2002 tournament. Montella told a press conference on Friday ‌that they needed to avoid getting carried away by the occasion.

"This is the eve of something we have anticipated for 24 years. We ‌are feeling very emotional and have confidence that we will perform well," he said.

"We are aware of the many challenges in the World Cup, but we ‌want to savour it, we want to ⁠be proud, and we want to ‌make our nation proud of us.

"The opening match is always the most crucial, ​even if it does not determine the ultimate outcome because points can be earned later. But ​of course, I view this fixture as one that will be significant and will assist ⁠in the future direction of ​our team."

The 51-year-old said the present group of players, who will also face the United States and Paraguay in Group D, should not be held responsible for Turkey's failure to qualify for ‌the finals in over twenty years.

"I enjoy reminding my players that our achievement is not about blaming them for Turkey's absence from the World Cup for 24 years. Instead, they can take pride in being here again after that long gap. Now they need to play at their peak, give everything on the pitch, and simply stop worrying about everything else," he added.

For Montella, the key will lie in maintaining concentration during the first group ‌match and making a positive start.

"There is such ​excitement and such high expectations that this match is significant for ‌our players," he added.

"I want them to take to the pitch and play using their own strengths and abilities. I do not want them to feel burdened by the emotional aspect.

"I know that when they play ⁠together but feel liberated ⁠and joyful, without overthinking ‌too much, that is when they perform at their finest."