AT A GLANCE: Turkey

by FOXSports.com

Updated: May 15, 2002, 11:57 AM EST

G Rustu Recber, Fenerbahce (TUR)
D Bulent, Galatasaray (TUR)
D Alpay Ozalan, Aston Villa (ENG)
D Ismail Gulderen, Genclerbirligi (TUR)
M Umil Davala, AC Milan (ITA)
M Hakan Unsal, Blackburn (ENG)
M Tugay Kerimoglu, Blackburn (ENG)
M Okan Buruk, Inter Milan (ITA)
M Tayfur Havactu, Besiktas (TUR)
F Hakan Sukur, Inter Milan (ITA)
F Yildiray Basturk, Bayer Leverkusen (GER)

IMPROVING YEAR BY YEAR

The Turks showed some mental toughness in the qualification stages. They were virtually qualified leading 1-0 in the home match against Sweden, when they conceded two late goals. Sweden went to Asia, Turkey had to go into the play-offs.

A big disappointment for soccer-mad Turkey, but in these two games against Austria they had no troubles at all. A 1-0 win away in Vienna was followed by a smashing 5-0 at home.

Turkey qualified for the first time since 1954. And it?s well deserved, they have improved year by year and are now among the top ten in Europe.

Turkey have drawn an easy group, although they are not in the position to underestimate anyone. But Turkey should be capable of beating both China and Costa Rica, and on a given day, Brazil.

Qualifying in this group will bring them against an opponent from group H (Japan, Belgium, Russia, Tunisia), another winnable match. A quarterfinal would most likely mean Argentina, and Turkey is not that good yet.

They have a lot of good players, and withstand the pressure in the playoff was a very good sign after being so disappointed against the Swedes. R?st? is a solid goalkeeper. He must stay healthy, because Turkey lacks depth there.

In defence new coach Senol Gunes has recalled B?lent, the Galatasaray-captain. When Alpay is fit, he is another certain choice. If not, Senol could turn to Emre Asik.

Og?n will lead the defence. Turkey usually plays a 3-5-2, and the wingbacks are ?mit Davala or Tayfun at right, and Hakan ?nsal or Abdullah left. Abdullah is a gifted player with a smooth left foot, but lacking in speed.

Tugay is back to run the midfield. He is strong on the ball, has vision and can direct the play. Okan is also a certainty, though the Inter midfielder has not had much time on the field this year.

In attack, big man Hakan S?k?r was top scorer in the Turkish league, but has never played a major role abroad although. He?s tall, strong, still rather quick and he can finish, but needs a lot of movement around him. His record for Turkey is impressive. He could be partnered by Arif, or Leverkusen-man Yildiray Bast?rk, who has made his name this year.

We're looking forward to the Turkish contribution. Don?t expect them to be title contenders, but expect a little surprise.