How Turkey became the dark horse of the 2002 World Cup
Hello BURB readeers, today I am going to write about the most spectacular achievement in our football history, our third place in the 2002 World Cup.
How Turkey became the dark horse of the 2002 World Cup
The 2002 FIFA World Cup was a tournament full of surprises and upsets. Among the teams that defied the odds and made history was Turkey, a nation that had not qualified for the World Cup since 1954. Turkey’s remarkable run to the semi-finals and the third place was a result of a combination of factors, such as their talented squad, their passionate fans, their tactical flexibility, and their fighting spirit.
The squad
Turkey’s squad for the 2002 World Cup was composed of players who had experience and success in both domestic and international competitions. The team was led by coach Şenol Güneş, a former goalkeeper who had played for Turkey in the 1978 World Cup. 
The defense was anchored by Rüştü Reçber, who was widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world at the time. Rüştü was known for his agility, reflexes, and leadership. He was also famous for his eccentric style, which included wearing face paint and a bandana. In front of him, the center-backs Alpay Özalan and Bülent Korkmaz formed a formidable partnership, complemented by the full-backs Ergün Penbe and Fatih Akyel.
The midfield was the engine of the team, providing both creativity and balance. The central midfielders Emre Belözoğlu and Yıldıray Baştürk were the playmakers, orchestrating the attacks with their vision and passing. The wide midfielders Hasan Şaş and Ümit Davala were the workhorses, running up and down the flanks and delivering crosses and shots. The defensive midfielder Tugay Kerimoğlu was the enforcer, breaking up the opposition’s moves and protecting the back four.
The attack was the most lethal weapon of the team, featuring two of the most prolific strikers in Turkish history: Hakan and İlhan Mansız. İlhan Mansız was the surprise star of the tournament, having only made his debut for Turkey in 2001. He was a fast and skillful forward, who had a knack for scoring important goals. He was a powerful and clinical finisher, who could also hold up the ball and link up with his teammates.
The fans
Turkey’s fans were another key factor in their success, as they provided unwavering support and enthusiasm for their team. Thousands of Turkish fans traveled to South Korea and Japan, where the World Cup was co-hosted, to cheer on their team. They created a festive and colorful atmosphere in the stadiums, waving flags, singing songs, and chanting slogans. They also showed respect and friendship to the fans of other teams, especially the hosts, who welcomed them warmly.
The fans back home in Turkey also followed their team’s progress with passion and pride. Millions of people watched the games on TV, in cafes, in squares, and in streets. They celebrated every victory with joy and excitement, honking horns, waving flags, and setting off fireworks. They also consoled every defeat with dignity and solidarity, applauding their team’s efforts and achievements.
The tactics
Turkey’s tactics were another aspect that contributed to their success, as they showed versatility and adaptability to different situations and opponents. Güneş employed a 4-4-2 formation as his default system, but he also made changes and adjustments according to the circumstances. For example, he switched to a 3-5-2 formation against Brazil in the group stage, to match their formation and exploit their weaknesses. He also used different players and roles depending on the game plan. For example, he used Nihat Kahveci as a second striker against China, to add more pace and mobility to the attack. He also used Okan Buruk as a defensive midfielder against Senegal, to add more steel and stability to the midfield.
Turkey’s tactics were also based on a balance between defense and offense, between caution and aggression, and between discipline and flair. They defended as a unit, pressing and marking the opposition tightly, and making timely tackles and interceptions. They also attacked as a unit, moving and passing the ball quickly, and creating and finishing chances with efficiency and flair. They were also capable of switching from defense to offense and vice versa, depending on the flow of the game. They could sit back and absorb pressure, and then launch counter-attacks with speed and precision. They could also take the initiative and dominate possession, and then defend with concentration and determination.
The spirit
Turkey’s spirit was perhaps the most important factor in their success, as they showed determination and resilience in the face of adversity and challenges. They overcame many difficulties and obstacles throughout the tournament, such as injuries, suspensions, refereeing decisions, and tough opponents. They also demonstrated a never-say-die attitude and a fighting spirit, as they fought until the final whistle and never gave up.
Some of the examples of their spirit were:
- Their comeback against Brazil in the group stage, when they equalized in the 87th minute through Hasan Şaş, after conceding a controversial penalty in the 50th minute.
- Their win against Japan in the second round, when they scored in the 12th minute through Ümit Davala, and then defended bravely for the rest of the game, despite Japan’s relentless pressure and home advantage.
- Their win against Senegal in the quarter-finals, when they scored in the 94th minute through İlhan Mansız, after a goalless 90 minutes and a tense extra time.
- Their consolation goal against Brazil in the semi-finals, when they scored in the 94th minute through Hakan Ş. after conceding three goals in the first half and playing with 10 men for most of the second half.
- Their win against South Korea in the third place match, when they scored in the 11th second through Hakan Ş. the fastest goal in World Cup history, and then added two more goals through İlhan Mansız, despite South Korea’s spirited comeback and home support.
The legacy
Turkey’s success in the 2002 World Cup was a historic and memorable achievement, not only for Turkish football, but also for Turkish society and culture. It was a source of pride and joy for the Turkish people, who celebrated their team’s feats with enthusiasm and gratitude. It was also a source of inspiration and motivation for the Turkish youth, who dreamed of following their team’s footsteps and becoming football stars. It was also a source of recognition and respect for Turkey, who earned the admiration and appreciation of the world for their football and their character.
Turkey’s success in the 2002 World Cup was a fairy tale that became a reality, a miracle that became a legend, and a dream that became a myth. It was a story of a team that defied the odds and made history, a story of a nation that united and celebrated, and a story of a football that enchanted and amazed.
I hope you enjoyed reading my article.
