Turkey's Montella looks for positives after 62 chances but no goals

Turkey had 62 attempts at goal in their first two World Cup matches but have been eliminated without scoring.

>The 1-0 loss to Paraguay on Friday followed the 2-0 reverse to Australia. The Turks dominated the chances in both games but a lack of a cutting edge means their Group D finale against co-hosts the US on Thursday is only about pride for Vincenzo Montella's men.

>The Italian coach tried to sound upbeat about his squad in Santa Clara, despite Paraguay playing with 10 men for a half after Miguel Almirón fell foul of FIFA's new rules against players covering their mouths when speaking.

>"They need to come out of the dressing room sad because we are all sad, but they need to leave the dressing room with their heads held high," Montella said.

>"They’ve got nothing to hold against themselves in terms of their behaviour or their commitment. I’m sure that this lesson will certainly allow us to improve as a team. This disappointment, this bitterness – we will improve as a team going forward."

>The lack of a top quality striker will haunt the Turks, who were making their first men's World Cup appearance since finishing third in 2002.

>FIFA's decision to switch to head-to-head rather than goal difference as the first tie-breaker in groups with teams level on points has also cost Turkey dear.

>Despite the eight best third-placed teams going through to the last 32 in another FIFA change at this expanded tournament, Turkey cannot lift themselves off bottom spot due to their two losses - even with a handsome win over group winners the US in Los Angeles.