EURO 2008 INFO

The last time that Turkey was present at the final stage of a major tournament, Nihat Kahveci was only 22 years and saw almost always from the bench how your selection got a brilliant third place in the Fifa World Cup 2002. Six years later, the striker's Villarreal CF is the leader of a team that has a beginning of Uefa Euro 2008 ™ very complicated, face Portugal on Saturday.

In streak
Nihat only played a few minutes in two games (Costa Rica and Japan) that World 2002, but his departure that same year of Beşiktaş JK to Real Sociedad boosted his career. While some major knee injuries made him lose his initial site selection, the 18 goals scored in the league this season with Villarreal and decisive with so many who succeeded his selection before Norway and Bosnia-Herzegovina, have given gallons in Turkey.

Accolades to Hakan Şükür
Juanto to Nihat, were also summoned forwards Semih Şentürk of Fenerbahçe SK, Tuncay Şanlı of Middlesbrough FC and Mevlüt Erdinç FC Sochaux-Montbéliard. Nihat had words of praise for who was one of the greatest strikers in his country, Hakan Şükür, who will not be in the euro. "It's the best striker of all time in Turkey. It's the top scorer in the history of the country and the Turkish league. But we have a coach who's who elects the cree desirable and that we must respect their decision. We must not think who was unable to come despite the fact that history Hakan is undeniable, "said Nihat to euro2008.com.
Trust
The selector who has taken this decision is Fatih Terim, who since his arrival in 2005, has given the team consistency. "We are a good team. Before leak points as if by magic. That has changed and we are more consistent," said Nihat, who already has in mind the first game against Portugal. "All parties are like a final. Faithful to try to play our style. Obviously much respect to Portugal because they have very good players, but we too. They will have much support from fans, but in football who earn parties are footballers" .