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FIFA WORLD CUP: Tümer safeguards Turkish flame

/noticias.info/ by Türker Tozarfrom Trabzon

Two crucial goals in FIFA World Cup qualifiers marked a brilliant week for late-blooming Turkey midfielder Tümer Metin.

Excellent goal
His terrific free-kick in Istanbul helped Turkey to a 2-2 draw against Denmark last Saturday, and the Besiktas JK player then scored the only goal of the game in Ukraine, beating four players before applying the finish. The victory against the Group 2 winners significantly enhanced Turkey's qualification chances.

Coach credited
However, if Tümer was the hero of the hour, he was quick to give credit to national coach Fatih Terim. "Terim is not only a good coach but a great leader," he said. "In such critical games he said he knew me and trusted me and told me to show my talent. I don't think I let him down."

Late bloomer
Turkey coaches have not always had such faith in Tümer. The skilful left-footer, who will turn 31 next month, received his first call-up in 2003 and never had much of an opportunity in subsequent internationals as persistent injuries hampered his progress.

World Cup ambition
For Tümer, though, his arrival on the scene is better late than never. "I missed out on the 2002 World Cup but I don't want to miss Germany 2006," he said. "I want to experience the excitement of a World Cup and this is the last chance for me. I am very excited."

Turkish experience
Turkish observers who have watched Tümer in domestic action would not deny him this time in the sun. After leaving Zonguldakspor, he made his name during four seasons at Samsunspor between 1997 and 2000 before joining Besiktas in the summer of 2001.

League title
A Turkish champion with the Black Eagles in 2002/03, Tümer has played 110 league games for the club, scoring 28 goals. Coach Riza Çalimbay has used him primarily as a substitute this term, but with his performances for Turkey, he may yet earn a return to the starting XI for Besiktas's UEFA Cup first round tie against Malmö FF next week.

Besiktas test
If he is to realise his dream of playing in a World Cup, the free-kick specialist must prove himself once more at club level, but Turkey fans will just hope he continues where he left off against Ukraine in the national team's final qualifier in Albania.

Tight group
With third-placed Greece two points behind Turkey with a game in hand, Terim's men need their biggest rivals to drop points if they are to reach the play-offs. However, Tümer is convinced his side will not give up trying until the campaign is over, regardless of results elsewhere. "We will never throw in the towel until it is mathematically impossible for us to qualify," he said. "Turkey will fight until the end." notas_de_prensa_archivo