Senegal v Turkey (Osaka, today 12.30)No African team has ever reached the World Cup semi-finals, but if Senegal beat Turkey here at the Nagai Stadium today they will do just that, marching one step further than Cameroon danced in 1990.

Despite missing out on this year's African Nations Cup to Cameroon only on penalties, the team began this tournament largely unburdened by expectation; they even stayed up to 2 a.m. arm-wrestling the night before playing France in the opening match. All the same, there are signs that even the Senegalese are starting to feel the pressure.

First there was Bruno Metsu's spat with his Turkish counterpart Senol Gunes, whom the Senegal coach accused of "denigrating" his team after Gunes complained that the Senegal players systematically led with their elbows when jumping for high balls.

Then there was the testy pre-match press conference, which the forward Khalilou Fadiga finished by insisting: "We are the Senegalese number one, and the African number one, not a French reserve team, okay?" But vivid though Senegal's progress has been so far, it will fade from memory if they are unable to defeat a competent, if scarcely brilliant, Turkey team for the right to take on Brazil in the semi-finals.

Maintaining discipline could be crucial for the Senegalese, who had Fadiga sent off in their final group game against Uruguay, and Amdy Faye has warned his team-mates to be ready for Turkish provocation. "I am scared. They are famous for that, the Turks." On the other hand, the Turks have had two men dismissed in a game.

Another factor could be the previous week's exertions which may tell on Metsu's troops, even though they have had two more days' rest than turkey. "I have never seen them so tired," he said.

The Lions of Teranga are playing down their chances but the midfielder Salif Diao, who is set to return from suspension, said: "We are playing for all Africa and now is the time. If we do not do it this World Cup it will be more difficult next time, and I think we have everything we need to get into this semi-final."

Captain Aliou Cisse is Metsu's major doubt as he has been carrying a heavy strapping on his left calf this week, while fellow defenders Ferdinand Coly (knee), Pape Malick Diop (shin) and Omar Daf (ankle), should all be fit.