Turkey striker Hakan Sukur hit back at fans who doubted the team after his two goals against the Belgians put them into the quarter-finals.

Sukur let rip at critics who had written off the side, saying: 'After the first two matches we were the target of unjustified criticism. Before the Turkish people, I now declare those who did this as pitiless traitors to their country.'

Turkish newspapers lavished praise on the 2-0 triumph against the Euro 2000 co-hosts that took the country's players to the quarter-finals of a European tournament for the first time.

'A historical victory,' blared the front-page banner headline in the Milliyet newspaper. 'We have put our signature on the biggest victory in history. With Hakan Sukur's two goals, we opened the door to the quarter-finals.'

The national team has struggled to win major support in a country where club loyalties are stronger. But travelling supporters jeered a loss against Italy and a bore draw with Sweden.