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Turkey gets second chance against Brazil

The first game ended in controversy. Now the teams meet with a berth in the final on the line.

Compiled from Times wires
© St. Petersburg Times
published June 26, 2002

SAITAMA, Japan -- Turkey had two players sent off and lost its opener to four-time champion Brazil on a controversial penalty kick.

Fired by a sense of injustice, the Turks have a chance for revenge and a place in the final.

"We didn't deserve to lose the first time, and it would be nice to set the record straight," Turkey coach Senol Gunes said.

Alpay Ozalan was dismissed for the hard tackle that led to the penalty kick and was joined minutes later by Hakan Unsal, ejected for kicking the ball at Rivaldo. The Brazilian enraged the Turks by clutching his face and falling to the ground even though the ball hit his legs.

Since that game June3, Turkey has sneaked into the semifinals.

"We have been improving with each game, and if we keep it up, we can be optimistic," Gunes said. "There is nothing to fear."

An 80-1 long shot, Turkey beat co-host Japan in the second round and Senegal in the quarterfinals. Both games were 1-0.

"Turkey has grown a lot since the first round," Brazil defender Edmilson said. "We know we'll face a different team than we saw before."

Turkey scraped through the group play, advancing on goal differential after beating China 3-0 in its last game and Brazil beat Costa Rica 5-2. Had Costa Rica tied Brazil, Turkey would have been eliminated.

"Turkey should thank us," said Rivaldo, fined $7,400 for feigning an injury against Turkey.

But Brazil also is riding high, hoping to play three-time champion Germany in the final on Sunday. Brazil is favored to add another title to those won in 1958, 1962, 1970 and 1994.

Ronaldinho, who set up the tying goal and scored the winner against England, will miss the semifinal after being ejected for a dangerous tackle against England. Denilson or Juninho will replace him.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Marcos and striker Ronaldo likely will play despite leg injuries.

Turkey will be without Unsal, who missed the quarterfinal because of a knee injury.

Gunes faces a quandary over playing captain Hakan Sukur. Turkey's all-time leading scorer, 36 goals in 77 games, Sukur was substituted for against Senegal after missing three first-half chances and hasn't scored.

Ilhan Mansiz, who replaced him, scored the winner against Senegal.

The Sukur debate is raging in Turkey, where some fans venerate the man known as "Big Hakan." Even though Sukur has been struggling with a thigh injury, Gunes said he still might play him.

"Hakan Sukur has been one of Turkey's best players for many years," Gunes said. "I'm not going to turn my back on him just like that."

Yildiray Basturk, Hasan Sas and Emre Belozoglu provide Gunes with other attacking options. Sas has two of Turkey's seven goals, including the one against Brazil. Umit Davala also has two.

Since losing to Brazil, Rustu Recber has let in one goal in four games and none in the past three. While Brazil tries to impose what is known as its "Samba" soccer, with waves of attacking play, Turkey tends to disrupt opponents and strike on the counterattack.

"Turkey isn't an easy team to maneuver and has many talented players who are beginning to move to the biggest teams in Europe," Senegal coach Bruno Metsu said. "They were very unlucky to lose to Brazil last time."

And the Turks are determined there won't be a repeat from the group game.

"The whole world could see we were wronged in the first game," Ozalan said. "We have a point to make."

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