Denying the truth does not change the facts.
Trying to protect yourself by refusing to accept the truth about something that's happening is common, blaming others, playing the victim, claiming corruption, making execues is typical.
Taking the easy way out instead of respecting the competition rules or teams that did what your didn't is the best way to set a good example. It was rigged, highway robbery, teaching execues is a better approach even when you come in 2nd and didn't earn the right to advance.
Close but no cigar might be good enough for horseshoes and hand grenades not so much for youth soccer tournaments.