Turks eager for Brazil rematch

Some teams just dream of playing Brazil in the World Cup but Turkey now get to face them twice in the same tournament and can't wait for the rematch.

In these astounding finals, the Turks shook the four-time winners in their opening group game and their defeat of debutants Senegal on Saturday has earned them a semi-final return.

Turkey were livid when they lost 2-1 to the Brazilians after a dubious penalty decision, two red cards and some controversial gamesmanship by Rivaldo in their Group C match-up.

The South Americans had bombarded goalkeeper Rustu Recber with shots, but he kept them out and Turkey complained loudly that the referee had denied them the point they had earned.

Turkey coach Senol Gunes thinks that four matches later his side have matured into a unit that can stretch Brazil further.

"Brazil have improved but we are on the up, we are on a rising trend, we grow better by the day," he told reporters after a display of controlled passing and skill by his midfielders had helped Turkey beat Senegal 1-0 with a golden goal.

"Our footballers have done what they do - spectacular things. We can go on writing the future," he said.

His players, having made history with a place in the last four for the first time in Turkey's second World Cup appearance seem even more confident than the coach.

"We have no fear of Brazil. It's just the name that's big. Brazil have won the World Cup four times but we're not afraid of them or any team," said Umit Davala. "Brazil have to fear us."

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said he had sleepless nights worrying about Turkey before their last match, particularly striker Hakan Sukur.

But Turkey's front man has looked at less than his best in the tournament and missed an easy chance against Senegal.

It was substitute striker Ilhan Mansiz who swept home the golden goal four minutes into extra-time to send thousands on to the streets in roaring celebrations across Turkey.

"This is the biggest day in our lives," said Davala.

"Nobody was expecting us to get to the semi-finals but we played our best game of the World Cup today and we deserve it."