Turkey has a mountain to climb

BRUSSELS, JUNE 18. Home advantage and teamwork could yet make co- host Belgium the surprise package at Euro 2000 football tournament with victory in its final Group `B' game against Turkey on Monday securing a place in knockout stage.

A point may even be enough should Sweden fail to beat Italy. The Italians have already booked their place in the last eight after successive wins against Turkey and Belgium respectively. But Robert Waseige's men can join the Squadra Azzurra in the quarterfinals for the first time since 1980 if results go their way.

In that year Belgium made it all the way to the final in Rome only to be beaten 1-2 by Germany. The Belgians, whose fans will occupy the majority of the 51,000 King Badouin Stadium, can benefit from playing in front of their own supporters.

In just over 12 months in charge, Waseige seems to have brought stability to the national side after taking over from George Leekens last summer.

The 61-year-old authoritarian coach has transformed the team into a formidable unit which on its day is capable of beating anybody.

Turkey, meanwhile, needs to win to have any chance of staying in the tournament and in Belgium of all the countries it has a mountain to climb.

The Turkish press is already sharpening its knives after the team's 0-0 draw with Sweden last Monday was met with a blistering attack by the mass-circulation daily Milliyet.

``We cannot play football and we cannot win matches. Now we need what would be a miraculous win over Belgium,'' it said in its post-mortem.

Belgian midfielders Nico van Kerckhoven and Gert Verheyen together with defender Philippe Leonard have all shrugged off minor injuries and coach Waseige can pick from a fully fit squad.

Umit Davala is the only concern for the Turks with a foot injury while Leicester midfielder has overcome a troublesome ankle and is available for selection.

- AFP

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Section  : Sport
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