Nobody predicted that both African debutants Senegal and European outsiders Turkey would reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
That one of the two will contest a semi-final against Brazil is even more remarkable, a reflection of a tournament that has shaken up soccer's world order.
Bruno Metsu's enterprising Senegal side are making their first World Cup appearance and their results - victory over World Cup holders France, draws with Denmark and Uruguay and an extra-time success over Sweden in round two - have been sensational.
"It's another challenge for us," Senegal's charismatic French coach told reporters ahead of today's game. "The challenge is to do better than any African side has ever done by reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup.
"We must break through the barrier and get through to the semi-finals. If we do it, it will be a massive achievement."
Metsu has complained that his team are fatigued, even though they have had six days' rest since Henri Camara's two goals gave them a golden goal victory over Sweden in Oita.
The coach nonetheless expects captain Aliou Cisse to play in defence despite a heavily strapped left calf.
Midfield pair Khalilou Fadiga and Salif Diao are also available again after missing the Sweden game through suspension.
But Turkey's biggest worry will be containing the goalscoring threat of Camara, African footballer of the year El Hadji Diouf and Pape Bouba Diop, scorer of three goals so far.
Metsu raised the stakes on the eve of the game by accusing Turkey, whose only previous World Cup appearance was in 1954, of denigrating his side by talking of which team the Turks would prefer to play in the semi-final.
Turkey coach Senol Gunes admits he knows little about Senegal but is aware of the danger they pose.
"We have played against many sides that we did not know well in many countries," he said. "Football has changed. There are no big teams and no small teams."
Gunes also welcomes back two players from suspension - defender Emre Asik and midfielder Emre Belozoglu.
The biggest decision for the Turks surrounds the fitness of midfielder Okan Buruk. Okan has been out since the evening before Turkey's opening 2-1 loss to Brazil but he is said to be fit again now.
His physical strength and pace could be what Gunes needs in attack against Senegal but giving him a place would mean sacrificing an established player such as Yildiray Basturk or Umit Davala.
Probable teams...
Senegal: Sylva; Daf, P.M. Diop, Cisse, Coly; Fadiga, Diao, P.B. Diop, Ndiaye, Camara; Diouf.
Turkey: Rustu; Akyel, Korkmaz, Alpay, Unsal; Davala, Tugay, Basturk, Emre, Sas; Sukur.
Referee: Oscar Ruiz (Colombia).
On TV: TVM, RAI Uno 1.30 p.m.