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MIYAGI, Japan (Ticker) -- Turkey reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time with a 1-0 triumph over co-host Japan as Umit Davala scored in the 12th minute. Davala put home a header off Yildiray Basturk's corner kick as Turkey set up a meeting with another first-time quarterfinalist, Senegal, on Saturday in Osaka. In its only previous World Cup appearance, Turkey failed to advance past out of the first round in 1954. "From the kickoff, we controlled the pace of the game against a very strong Japanese side," Turkey coach Senol Gunes said. "We scored early and we tried to pass the ball. I think we did a very good job." Alex had Japan's best opportunities in the first half. The Brazilian-born midfielder had his 21st-minute shot from the left side of the box stopped by goalkeeper Rustu Recber. Just three minutes before halftime, Alex's curling free kick hit the left corner of the woodwork. "Japan's reaction to the goal was to play hard," Japan coach Philippe Troussier said. "We kept possession of the ball, we played an offensive match, we had a free kick hit the crossbar, we had the opportunities. Unfortunately, we lack experience and still have progress to make." Japan failed to become the first Asian nation to reach the last eight of the World Cup. However, the 2002 World Cup has been a triumph for Japan, which lost its three opening round matches in 1998, when it competed in the event for the first time. The co-host beat Russia and Tunisia and played to a tie against Belgium in the first round. That allowed the Japanese to advance as the first-place team from Group H. "It is the end of an adventure. But we finished with a Japanese team which has a lot of spirit for the future," Troussier said. "The Japanese players should believe in their potential and their ability to play. We have received the recognition of European football for our progress. We played among the best." Despite the best efforts of the Japanese fans, they were unable to will their team to an equalizer against a Turkish defense that has conceded just one goal in its last three matches. Akinori Nishizawi's header was thwarted by Rustu just after the hour mark and Tomozaku Myojin fired in a dangerous 63rd-minute shot just wide of the upright. Turkey's best opportunity to double its advantage came with 24 minutes to play. But Basturk's blast just missed the Japanese net. The strike signaled the Turks were still looking to attack. Turkey started the match without two players who were suspended after collecting a second yellow card in the opening round. Defender Emre Asik was replaced by Alpay Ozalan, who earned Man of the Match honors for his role in limiting Japan to just four shots on goal. Midfielder Emre Bolozoglu was replaced by Ergun Penbe, who picked up one of three yellow cards in the match for Turkey. The most cautioned side in the tournament with 13 yellow and two red cards, Turkey already missed defenders Ozalan and Hakan Unsal for a combined three matches during group play. Now, Ozalan, Penbe and captain Hakan Sukur must avoid the referee's ire against Senegal. |
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