Turkey in the cold

I was a little disappointed to hear that Turkey did not qualify for the 2006 World Cup. They were beaten by Switzerland on aggregate.

Just three years ago, I roared them on all the way to their last match against South Korea, where they won third place. The day of their first World Cup match against Brazil, I was in Istanbul, sitting in the Atatürk International Airport lounge, watching a fierce-looking player called Hasan Sas nonchalantly fire in a goal, drawing first blood against the world champions. Sas would become my hero, but after rumours of possible transfers to big-name clubs, he faded out of the news.

Nevertheless, watching the Turkish and Korean players joining hands and saluting the audience was one of the best post-match celebrations in my memory - true sportsmanship. They also broke the record for the fastest goal ever scored - was it 8 seconds? - by veteran Hakan Sukur.

And what a glorious welcome the team received back in Turkey. What joyous celebrations in Taksim Square, where I had visited just weeks before! I could picture the scene.

There was talk of even stronger fan support when Turkey (note the certainty of that tone) played in Germany, as they had many countrymen working there. I couldn't wait!

Then, two years ago, I relished Turkey's presence in Euro 2004 and was excited to hear they were leading in the tables initially - only to learn that they did not qualify in the end. On TV, I watched dashing striker Ilhan Mansiz gesturing in frustration as he left the changing room. I thought they would learn their lesson and regain their place in the world arena.

But now, it seems that Turkish football's glorious period is over - almost as quickly as it began.