Japan vs. Turkey

*--* Monday, 11:30 p.m. PDT, at Miyagi, Japan TV: ESPN, Ch. 34. Delayed: ESPN2, 9 a.m.; Ch. 46, noon; ESPN Classic, Wednesday, 10 a.m How they got here: Japan finished first in Group H with a 2-0-1 record, its first two World Cup victories after debuting at 0-3 in 1998. Turkey, in its first World Cup appearance since 1954, finished second behind Brazil in Group C at 1-1-1 Japan update: No Asian team has ever beaten a European opponent during the knockout stage of a World Cup, but Japan, with momentum and the home-fan advantage, is expected to become the first. Japan and Turkey have met only once previously, in the 1997 Kirin Cup, and Japan won, 1-0. Including pre-Cup exhibition matches, Japan is 5-1-4 in 2002, the only defeat coming against Norway in May Turkey update: The Turks have attrition problems. Emre Asik and Emre Belozoglu will sit out against Japan because of suspensions. Goalkeeper Rusto Recber, perhaps Turkey’s most valuable player, is recovering from a thigh strain that forced him out of the 3-0 victory over China in the 35th minute. Midfielder Hasan Sas and striker Hakan Suker have been hampered by leg injuries, but are expected to play Sidelined: Turkey: Asik (suspended), Belozoglu (suspended) Outlook: “Our aim,” Turkey Coach Senol Gunes says, “is to get the result with the kind of football that the Japanese supporters can applaud.” Unfortunately for Gunes, the Japanese supporters are saving their applause for a victory by the home team. It won’t be long now

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