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Updated Sunday June 18, 2000
Turks confident despite injuries

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.'

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