Diao has faith in Senegal's mental strength

Salif Diao believes mental strength will prove decisive in Senegal’s showdown with Turkey today as a mouth-watering semi-final clash with Brazil looms on the horizon.

Diao, bound for Liverpool in a £5million deal from Sedan, is fully expecting a no-nonsense physical battle with Turkey as both sides have so far proved throughout this tournament they can handle themselves.

The 25-year-old, along with fellow midfielder Khalilou Fadiga, are both available again to coach Bruno Metsu after completing two and one-game suspensions respectively.

Turkey coach Senol Gunes, who faced criticism for his team’s aggressive approach in the group stages, also has two players returning from bans in Emre Belozoglu and Emre Asik.

Due to what is at stake for both teams, a bruising quarter-final encounter is on the cards at the Nagai Stadium in Osaka, but Diao feels that will not determine the outcome.

‘‘When we watched the Japan game we were surprised because they looked so strong physically, which is a concern even though we know we are also strong,’’ said Diao.

‘‘But at this World Cup everything is in the mind. The team which is stronger in the head will be there until the end.’’

Senegal have certainly proved mentally adept after stunning world champions France in the opening game of the tournament, before a golden goal winner in a 2-1 win over Sweden guaranteed the players hero status throughout Africa.

History now beckons, for no African nation has reached the semi-final of the World Cup, with Diao conceding he and his team-mates have the support of an entire continent behind them.

Just as Cameroon did in Italia ’90 when they reached the quarter-finals, Senegal are changing the face of football in Africa.

‘‘I remember when I was 13 when Cameroon were playing in the quarter-final, all African people were supporting them, and now it is the same with Senegal,’’ stated Diao.

‘‘I cheered on Cameroon, as did all the Senegalese people. That is how it is in Africa because we fully support one another.

‘‘But back then, who would have thought Senegal would be in this position, although for a long time we have had a good generation of footballers.

‘‘Ten years ago people were saying that African players were just playing for the public and they didn’t care about the result.

‘‘But now many African players are in Europe and we are more disciplined, tactically aware, and that makes African football stand out. There is a good mix and that is why this Senegalese team is so good.

‘‘We also love a challenge, and as the last team from Africa in this World Cup, it is a really special feeling. We are playing not only for Senegal, but also for Africa to show our football has changed.’’

Captain Aliou Cisse is Metsu’s major doubt as he has been carrying a 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.

Captain Hakan Sukur and Blackburn defender Hakan Unsal are Sunes’ major concerns with thigh and knee injuries respectively, while goalkeeper Rustu Recber should be fit despite an ongoing hamstring problem.

Leicester’s Muzzy Izzet and Inter Milan’s Okan Buruk, neither of whom have yet figured, are also available after shaking off thigh and calf problems.