2002 revival

World Cup surprises Turkey, U.S. clash in St Etienne

ST ETIENNE, France (Reuters) -- Turkey opens its Confederations Cup campaign against the United States on Thursday aiming to prove that last year's run to the World Cup semifinals was no fluke.

Senol Gunes' men return to the world stage after being one of the revelations, along with joint host South Korea, of the 2002 finals in Asia.

Hoping to join favorite Brazil from Group B in the Cup semifinals, Turkey faces a U.S. team which was itself a surprise quarterfinalist last year.

Determined not to underestimate its opponent, Gunes told reporters: "The United States are not a weak side -- they've taken part in every World Cup since 1990.

"Our team has changed since the World Cup. I've brought in some players from the under-21s... as have all the other sides in this competition.

"I wanted to try out new players with a view to Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup."

Turkey, invited to the tournament after losing World Cup finalist Germany declined the offer, has had a mixed time in qualifying for next year's European championship.

Though two points clear of England at the top of Group Seven, it has played a game more and was beaten 2-0 by Sven-Goran Eriksson's men in Sunderland in April.

Gunes, whose attack will be led by striker Nihat Kahveci and supported by playmaker Yildiray Basturk, made no secret of his ambitions.

"We want to win this Confederations Cup," he said, ideally by beating France in the final at the Stade de France on June 29.

For the United States, the tournament is about adding to its international experience before the Gold Cup in July, without feeling it has to deliver for the folks back home.

"Our opponents are well aware of the fact that we have the ability to win games at this level," coach Bruce Arena said in the run-up to the tournament.

"I don't think they are going to be taking us for granted."

"We are not worried about it. I think it is great that we can play in this competition against quality teams and really not have the pressure to produce results."

That Gunes is not in the same position as Arena is just one of the reasons why Turkey should run out a winner at the Stade Geoffroy Guichard on Thursday.

 

Related information

Stories

Confederations Cup 2003 Index

Multimedia

Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video

Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.