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Montella Hails Players Ahead of Crucial Kosovo Playoff

3/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Vincenzo Montella, Turkey's head coach, praised his players as "real men" ahead of the playoff final vs Kosovo on March 30.
He said the match represents the hopes of millions of Turkish people.
Montella, appointed in 2023, has led Turkey to Euro 2024 qualification and seeks their first World Cup appearance in 24 years.
Captain Hakan Calhanoglu acknowledged the Kosovo challenge, which recently defeated Slovakia, and Montella thanked Turkish supporters.

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Story summary

Vincenzo Montella, Turkey's head coach, praised his players as "real men" ahead of the playoff final vs Kosovo on March 30.
He said the match represents the hopes of millions of Turkish people.
Montella, appointed in 2023, has led Turkey to Euro 2024 qualification and seeks their first World Cup appearance in 24 years.
Captain Hakan Calhanoglu acknowledged the Kosovo challenge, which recently defeated Slovakia, and Montella thanked Turkish supporters.