12/21/24
June 22, 2002
Turkey dominates : I thought this was a well played game, but I dont think they have a chance against the Brazilians. It seemed to me that Senegal opened really strong but then were taken off their game somehow.
It's a compelling semi: Turkey have a score to settle after the group match. And finally, the world has to pay attention to them.
posted by etagloh at 10:07 AM on June 22, 2002
The way things are looking now Turkey seem likeliest to win the world cup. Whoda thunk? Obviously not (brace yourself, this pun will brake new ground for bad) Hack 'n' Sucker! Hah! But seriously, what the hell has happened to Hakan Suker? Hmm... I never imagined that the quarterfinals would be so dull... exciting and tense sure, but in a dull way... does that makes any sense? Or am I just too sleep-deprived?
posted by Kattullus at 10:46 AM on June 22, 2002
I know what you mean, Kattullus. The 4 finals possibilities: Turkey - Germany Turkey - Korea Brazil - Germany Brazil - Korea ..seem an order of magnitude less interesting with Senegal out. Eh, so much for the underrepresented-demographics conspiracy.
posted by ShinyKnows at 11:42 AM on June 22, 2002
Senegal played badly I thought, but despite all the chances they had Turkey couldn't finish. Maybe they should start with Ilhan next time. Even so, I can't see them beating Brazil. Shame. There's no-one in the final four I can root for. Germany's Germany, Turkey aren't a particularly special side, Brazil aren't at their best and contain the cheat Rivaldo and Spain should have gone through instead of Korea. Damn.
posted by Summer at 11:50 AM on June 22, 2002
My only question about the Senegal team was why the coach didn't make any substitutions for the extra time. He'd commented before the game that his team was tiring, and since they were going to be playing golden goal, you'd think he'd want some (ANY) fresh legs out there. But he made no substitutions for the entire game. Well, I'm cheering for Korea now because they are the obvious Cinderella team, plus it will drive the conspiracists up the wall if they win the whole thing.
posted by grum@work at 01:07 PM on June 22, 2002
I'm a conspiracist. So I'm supporting Korea.
posted by squealy at 06:29 PM on June 22, 2002
Turkey-Germany would be, um, interesting, given the long-established Turkish immigrant population in Germany, and the number of Turkish players in the Bundesliga. (Some of the current Turkey team were born in Germany.)
posted by etagloh at 08:29 PM on June 22, 2002
They should win. Especially with Ronaldinho out and Ronaldo doubtful. And besides, they played much better than Brazil did.