BRUSSELS, June 18 (Reuters)(DS) - Turkey are without two injured
players for Monday's final group B game with hosts Belgium but
are still convinced they can reach the Euro 2000 quarter-finals.
Midfielder Umit Davala suffered an ankle injury in the 0-0
draw with Sweden, and striker Oktay Derelioglu has only recently
rejoined the squad after hospital treatment for bruised kidneys.
Coach Mustafa Denizli, who leaves his job at the end of the
tournament, told a news conference on Sunday that, despite two
uninspiring displays, the best is yet to come from his squad.
Denizli added he was not worried by Belgium's home
advantage.
'The advantage of playing at home can be neutralised by good
football from my team,' he said. 'If we play well, as I know we
can, we can do it. And Turkey has a lot of supporters all over
this area of Belgium so we will not be lacking support.
'I hope my players can perform as well as I know they can
and delay our departure. We came here to reach the
quarter-finals at least and that is still possible.'
Turkey, beaten 2-1 by group winners Italy in their opening
game, must defeat Belgium and Sweden must beat Italy for Turkey
to have any chance of going through, on goal difference.
'Four years ago, at Euro '96 we had no points and no goals.
Now, we have one goal and one point. That is some success for us
at this level and we still believe we can reach the
quarter-finals.
'Look at what has happened to the Czechs, who were finalists
in 1996, and the Germans, who were the champions. The Czechs
have done nothing and the Germans have only one point. If you
compare us to them, you can see our level.'
Denizli accused the Turkish media of unfair criticism and
interference. 'They said I picked the wrong team for the first
game against Italy, so I picked their team for the second game,
but it was no better.
'When I leave the job on July 1, they can take over from me
and we will see if they can do it better.'