Revenge in mind

Turkey set to renew World Cup rivalry with Brazil

ST-GALMIER, France (AP) -- For 48 years, Turkey was a tiny dot on the world soccer map. But within the last few years, the soccer-mad nation has grown into a full-fledged power.

Turkey's revival began with qualification for its first European Championship in 1996, then blossomed with a quarterfinal run at Euro 2000 and then the triumphant World Cup campaign last year in Japan and South Korea.

Competing in the world soccer's premier event for the first time since 1954, Turkey surprised everyone by going all the way to the semifinals, only to lose to eventual champion Brazil.

It then beat co-host South Korea in the match for third place and won praise for its flair and attack-minded game.

Tens of thousands of singing fans gave Turkey a heroic and cheerful welcome back from the World Cup.

So now, Turkey comes to the Confederations Cup as No. 8 team in the world and has somewhat of a reputation to protect. It is also leading its Euro 2004 qualifying group before a crucial match against England.

But the Confederations Cup will give Turkey an opportunity to take a measure of revenge against the Brazilians. They are both in the same group, which also includes the United States and Cameroon.

Brazil was actually the only team to beat Turkey at the World Cup, 2-1 in the group stage and 1-0 in the semifinals. The "villain" of the 2-1 win, striker Rivaldo who scored the winner from a disputed penalty, isn't here, and neither is his partner Ronaldo.

Turkey is without its greatest World Cup stars, Ilhan Mansiz of Besiktas and Hasan Sas of Galatasaray, both of whom are injured. Striker Hakan Sukur, who set a World Cup record by scoring just 11 seconds into the third-place match against South Korea, also has been left out of the squad.

Coach Gunes, like many of his colleagues at the eight-team tournament, is testing some younger players ahead of next year's Euro 2004 and qualifications for the 2006 World Cup.

Turkey's goal is to confirm its newfound standing at next year's European's in Portugal. But the biggest goal is the 2006 World Cup, which could become a "home" tournament for Turkey, with a large Turkish population in Germany.

And if the prominent strikers from the World Cup are absent, Turkey still boasts Nihat Kahveci, whose 22 goals have helped Real Sociedad stay in the battle for the Spanish championship with Real Madrid.

Nihat had two goals Sunday, but his team still lost 3-2 to Celta de Vigo to fall two points behind Madrid with one round remaining.

 

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