SAITAMA -- "We came to the World Cup to make an impact. I think we've achieved our goal and I am proud of my players," Turkey coach Senol Gunes said after his side fell to Brazil 1-0 in the semifinals on Wednesday night at Saitama Stadium 2002.
Turkey, playing in the quadrennial tournament for the first time in 48 years, reached the semifinals for the first time ever. Turkey finished Group C behind Brazil with a 1-1-1 record and then beat cohost Japan 1-0 in the second round and edged Senegal 2-1 in extra time in the quarterfinals. The only defeats Turkey suffered were both at the hands of Brazil.
"In our first meeting, we made many mistakes in defense. We had a better defense this time around but lost the ball in offense. We couldn't do what we wanted to do," Gunes noted.