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Turkey began its qualifying campaign with their first win over Germany since 1951 and ended up edging out the Republic of Ireland in the playoffs. However, it was handed a harsh lesson at Euro 96, when it was swiftly eliminated after three straight defeats without scoring a goal. But the Turks regrouped, learned from the experience and enter their second consecutive European Championship with a more balanced, experienced team that, just like Galatasaray at club level, could make life tough for their more illustrious opponents. Qualification was sweet for the football-mad country of 65 million inhabitants after the devastating earthquakes that killed 18,000 people, but which seems to have been conveniently forgotten by some. Coach Mustafa Denizli, who was in the Galatasaray hot seat for four years, knows his side has a rocky away record. But the 0-0 draw in Munich in Turkey's final qualifier showed how much the team has improved, while at the same time curbing the temperamental displays so frequent in their domestic league. The Turkish squad will be laden with players from the country's top three clubs, and the focus of attention will, of course, center on prolific striker Hakan Sukur, who will prove a handful for any defense. Thousands of expatriate Turks will converge on Belgium and Holland to support their team, which looks certain to do better than four years ago. CNNSI.com's Gabriele Marcotti: Turkish hopes are high following Galatasaray's UEFA Cup success and there is some genuine talent here. Alas, there also is very little big-time experience and the crushing weight of a public that always expects the impossible. Hakan Sukur should give opponents a fright, but it won't be enough.
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Turkey
