WORLD CUP NEWS

World Cup Results: Japan 0-1 Turkey, Co-Hosts out of tournament after strong group play run, Turkey surprises everyone by making into quarterfinals, and more…
June 19, 2002 - STM Staff

Japan 0-1 Turkey
Miyagi, Japan

To the dismay of the entire nation, Japan was eliminated from the 2002 World Cup with a 1-0 loss to Turkey in the Round of 16.

A disappointing end to the tournament for Japan, who qualified for the Round of 16 as winners of Group H and looked to have had a manageable draw against the Turks.

Turkey scored the only goal of the match in the 12th minute when Umit Davala hammered home a header with ease. The Japanese defense left Davala woeful unmarked and he headed past goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki for the game-winner. The goal came off a corner kick from Ergun Pendbe after Japanese defender Koji Nakata gave up a poor defending set up the corner for the Turks.

French coach Philippe Troussier has already stated that he would leave then national team after the cup, no matter the results. A tearful Troussier resigned after the match, saying he was proud of the years he worked for the Japanese FA.

Most have him pegged for a job in the EPL or a national coaching job in Europe. He is on the short-list for the soon-to-be-vacated French Head Coach position, after the inevitable firing or resignation of current Les Blues coach Roger Leumierre.

Troussier led the Japanese to their first ever World Cup wins and their first ever appearance in the knock-stages. He earned the nickname "The White Witch Doctor" in Africa for leading the Cameroon national team to a World Cup appearance and African Nations Cup title.

Turkey exposed the frailties of the Japanese defense that had been so artfully obfuscated by wide-open attacking play in the group stages. In the end, the Turks were too professional and seasoned for Japan to mount a serious comeback.

Turkey will now play Senegal in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Osaka, in a game that both teams will feel they have a strong chance at winning. This is quite possibly the most improbable paring in a World Cup quarterfinal ever. As for the winner or a prediction, your guess is a good as ours in this Cinderella match-up.