World Cup - Brazil v Turkey Preview

Brazil are now looking to match World Cup semi final victors Germany and reach their seventh final.

Germany and Brazil are expected to contest the final in Yokohama on Sunday but Turkey could make it an all-European final if they get revenge for their opening game defeat by the World Cup favourites.

It will not be easy for Turkey to provide one more upset at these finals.

Brazil are strongly fancied to contest the ultimate international prize against the Germans and probably win the title itself with their disciplined performance when beating England only boosting their confidence.

But Turkey took part in the more entertaining quarter final which saw Senol Gunes’ side sweep the ball around very well. Their stylish midfield play proved enough to undo an in-form Senegal defence and is sure to provide some chances against Brazil.

It is at the other end that the Turks have to worry. They also have a dismal disciplinary record – the worst at the finals – and if they chase Brazil around trying to settle feuds from their opening game, in which two of their players were red carded, then Turkey will be beaten easily.

If Turkish players lose their tempers then Brazil can only benefit.

The Turkish side already has to cope with an in-form Ronaldo backed up by Rivaldo who has made the most of his free role behind the Inter striker.

Their link up play and the fact that Turkey have to mark them closely freeing space for other runners could decide the semi final.

Turkey need to be physical but try and resist the temptation to punish Rivaldo for the play-acting which saw defender Alpay red carded in their first meeting and they may not be able to keep their cool. The Turks hardly committed a foul against Senegal in a bright and flowing game of football but may have been saving themselves to try and unsettle Brazil.

They know that the South American side will give them some space to play and could perhaps only field Gilberto Silva as a defensive midfielder meaning gaps could be found for the Turkish runners to move into.

A tight game would clearly favour Brazil. They have the top class forwards to take advantage of small chances to win games and the Turkish attack has yet to prove they can match them.

A game with space to move could see Turkey mount a convincing challenge to Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side who were not tested by England when reduced to ten men with more than half an hour of the quarter final left.

The strengths of the Turkish team all come from the majority of the squad playing for champions Galatasary at some time with five players with Gala at present but a further nine being former players at the Istanbul club. The Turks at their best play like a club side which Brazil barely resemble and they had by far he best of the first hour of their opening game way back on June 3rd.

They really have to tone down the threat of Ronaldo to progress to their first finalat their first appearance in the finals since 1954.

The Brazil star has recovered from a slight thigh problem and starts but Ronaldinho is suspended meaning Juninho is likely to replace the young PSG forward unless Scolari opts for a very defensive midfield grouping.

Turkey saw Ilhan Mansiz score the winner against Senegal as a substitute and he will probably start as Turkey look to exploit uncertainty in the Brazilian back-line. But the lack of an aerial threat if Hakan Sukur remains subdued means Crosses may not find their mark for Turkey despite midfielders Emre and Umit Working very hard to create chances. That pair are joined further up field by Hasan Sas Who has arguably been Turkey’s best player at the finals but their good work needs a forceful point and with Sukur struggling with form and injury they may lack goal power.

In Rustu Recber they have one of the better goalkeepers at the finals so far but the defence in front of him is bound to struggle to contain the width of their runs. Rustu may be able to keep Brazil out until extra time although the South Americans have several ways to win this match.

Lack of discipline from the Turks is likely to see free kicks given away in decisive areas and these may be all Brazil need to reach the final but only a narrow win for them is likely.