Turkey 1 Senegal 0
(Turkey win on Golden Goal)
Turkey substitute Ilhan Mansiz swept home a golden goal four minutes into extra time against Senegal today to send his team into the World Cup semi-finals for the first time.
Turkey will face four-times world champions Brazil in Saitama on Wednesday after the striker shot home on the half-volley from eight metres out following a right-wing cross by fellow substitute Arif Erdem.
The two sides had failed to score in regulation time despite a fast-flowing match in which Turkey created the better chances against the African debutants, most of which were wasted by Hakan Sukur.
"After we qualified we have seen that no one is better than us," Ilhan said.
"We have earned the place in the semi-final. We wanted to win this game and we did. As a team we fought hard."
After a cagey opening quarter, Turkey, playing in their first World Cup finals since 1954, came to life and created several good chances in the first half.
Sukur squandered his best opportunity after 27 minutes when Hasan Sas's pass found him unmarked five metres out but he failed to control the ball with the goal gaping.
Senegal defender Omar Daf superbly cleared a Yildiray Basturk header off the line a minute before the interval but the powerful Africans also had their moments.
Senegal striker El Hadji Diouf had one effort ruled out for off-side and just before the break only a fine tackle by Alpay Ozalan denied the African footballer of the year his first goal of the tournament after a sparkling run by Henri Camara.
Diouf and Basturk both threatened to break the deadlock at the start of the second half.
Umit Davala, scorer of two goals in the tournament, began to cause problems for Senegal down the right flank but Hakan Sukur continued to disappoint and after 67 minutes he was substituted.
Ilhan immediately threatened with a shot just over the bar and Turkey continued to dominate but the game remained desperately tight with so much at stake and it was no surprise when extra time arrived with the stalemate unbroken.
"It's hard, hard, hard but that's how the game goes," Diouf said.
"It's a shame but we have no regrets. We could not have done any more.
"Turkey deserved (the win) - good luck to them. I think they had the luck tonight. We go out with our heads held high."
Germany will play South Korea in the other semi-final on Tuesday after the tournament co-hosts beat Spain 5-3 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw this morning.