As long-time readers would know, I am a huge fan of Turkish football, which has long been underrated until last year's World Cup. England is also one of my favourite teams, so this isn't easy for me. (I have a feeling that France will be the ultimate winners of Euro 2004, but that's a story for another day.)
Most people would know that star England players Rio Ferdinand and Michael Owen will not be playing. As a result, I expect at least a draw from Turkey, and at least a goal for each side. More goals would be nice :-)
Turkey drew 2-2 in a friendly with Ireland on Sep 9. While they are one point behind England in the table, they have a greater goal difference (scored more, let in less goals).
While this at time of writing, the final lineup has not been confirmed on the UEFA website, I have great faith in Rustu, the goalie with painted cheeks, Emre, the feisty little midfielder, Imran the dashing striker (pun, pun) ... and it looks like Hakan Sukur's woken up from his World Cup lull. Hopefully this time he will score where it counts.
My favourite player, Hasan Sas, has been fairly quiet. No hear either from former mohawk Umit Davala. As far as I recall, Alpay was often benched at Aston Villa, but recently scored a superb goal that should quiet his critics. Tugay can be dangerous, but I feel his form has been erratic at Blackburn Rovers.
The time is nigh. More soon.
First half
Sükrü Saraçoglu in Istanbul can surely be called the stadium of Hell. The crowds were roaring and jumping up and down so much that the cameras shook.
Starting well were David Beckham and Wayne Rooney, who created many opportunities - but missed two very important ones as well. Rooney was berated by Gary Neville for not passing the ball to him, instead missing in his attempt at goal. And Beckham made the miss of his life - he skied a penalty shot he should easily have won, as Rustu dived in the wrong direction. Can't blame Becks entirely though - he slipped on the pitch as he kicked the ball.
[At this point, the frenzied crowd set off fireworks - celebrating as though Turkey had already scored a goal!]
However, Alpay's behaviour towards the England captain was uncalled for - running up and sneering at him. Fortunately for him, the Italian referee (still best in the world) didn't see that. Tugay will be thanking his stars as he caused the foul in the penalty area which nearly led to England scoring.
Turkey in general took a while to warm up to the match as compared to England, but they had many decent attempts on goal in the second quarter of the game. Very good in midfield was little Emre Belozoglu, who knocked holes in the English midfield - though he too gave away a few good balls. But being small and fast, he is easily knocked over, and therefore, fouled.
The saga continues...
Second half
[During the break, Alpay and Beckham were called into referee Collina's room - for a pep talk, I'd guess.]
Speaking as a fan: Turkey ought to be ashamed of themselves. Despite the absence of strikers Michael Owen and Emile Heskey (who was injured and replaced), as well as Rio Ferdinand, they just couldn't score. They had many shots at goal. They had some shots on target. They had more corners than England.
However they also committed more fouls, and received more yellow cards. Shame on veteran Suker for diving - he wasn't even touched by any England player! Tugay also deserved the card for tripping Beckham (who was too often bullied in the match). Rustu, however, would have been sent off for jumping into Kieron Dyer, so he was lucky to have received just a yellow card.
The second time Rustu dashed out of his box, though, I realised why - there were no friggin' Turkish defenders to help him! Still, I respect him as a goalkeeper.
On the other side, David James had a mixed performance. He saved a great shot, yet fluffed an easy one soon after. Later on, he was seldom troubled, apart from a skirmish or two.
The Turkish team, which introduced two strikers including Ilhan Mansiz, put in a spirited attack towards the end, and in the 94th minute looked like they had a winner - but the shot on target deflected off an English boot, and missed - by just a foot. By then, over at the England bench, Rooney and mates were seen jumping up and down in glee. When the final whistle blew, the English team came together, dancing on the pitch, and I wondered if the hugely disappointed crowd was going to hurl missiles at them. I didn't stay at the TV set long enough to find out.