Turkey narrowly missed matching their best-ever European Championship finish in Germany, but the team that arrived with little reason for optimism left with something that cannot be read in statistics — respect.

Vincenzo Montella's men bowed out in Saturday's 2-1 quarter-final loss to the Netherlands after a late own goal, capping a string of high-octane performances that had made the Turks one of the tournament's most entertaining teams.

"I look at the future with much more confidence and clarity," Montella said. "My opinion after this European Championship is that Turkey will be seen with different eyes in the future, probably with more respect."

Roared on by one of the largest and loudest fan bases, Turkey provided plenty of thrills, which Montella chalked up to more than simply tactics and game plans. Turkey's rip-roaring run, he said, came because of his team's spirit.

"Everyone gave a bit extra in terms of their soul," Montella said after Turkey upended Austria in the last 16. "You can only win matches such as these if there is a soul within the squad."

There was little reason for Turkey to be optimistic before the tournament kicked off. They were winless in four friendlies this year, including a 6-1 thrashing by Austria that Montella called a stain on his career, making their last-16 revenge all the sweeter.

In Germany this time, they played with hunger and heart.

Captain Hakan Calhanoglu was a puddle of tears after Saturday's loss. "I'm proud of my team," the Inter Milan midfielder said. "They played with great spirit, the Turkish spirit. We felt the love in spite of our defeat."

Arda Guler, the 19-year-old attacking midfielder, was the team's star performer and carries the hope for a brighter future.