Metsu happy to have underdog tag

Senegal coach Bruno Metsu is adamant his World Cup heroes will be the underdogs in tomorrow’s quarter-final showdown against Turkey.

Senegal have so far proven to be the stars of the tournament, sensationally beating reigning champions France in the opener, before a golden goal finale to see off Sweden in the second round.

Henri Camara’s 114th-minute winner leaves Senegal potentially just one match away from creating World Cup history as the first African nation to reach the semi-finals.

But then Turkey are also breaking new ground as their only previous outing in the competition saw them exit at the first round stage in 1954.

Only a 3-0 win in their final group match over China prevented coach Senol Gunes’ side from repeating the unwanted feat 48 years on, prior to them ending the hopes and dreams of co-host nation Japan on Tuesday.

Senegal would appear to have the edge given their heady mix of African artistry and French flair - 21 of the 23-man squad ply their trade in France - in contrast to the hard-working Turks.

But Metsu is playing down his side’s chances as he said: ‘‘We have no experience at this level, so it will be tough, while Turkey have excellent players who are all at great European clubs.

‘‘Don’t forget, Galatasaray also won the 2000 UEFA Cup so if you take the individual players then they are all famous.’’

Gunes describes Senegal as ‘‘one of the surprise teams in the World Cup,’’ but feels his squad has also been underestimated on its route to the last eight despite their quarter-final exit at Euro 2000.

‘‘I agree we had a good result in the European Championships, but we wanted to be recognised on the world stage,’’ said Gunes.

‘‘It has been a long time since we reached the World Cup finals and we wanted to play and perform to a high standard - we have done that.

‘‘We know some people have underestimated us, but others have realised we play at the top level. We want to play on and find out our correct place.’’

Gunes, though, would appear to now be underestimating Senegal as he has started to look ahead towards a potential semi-final clash with either Brazil or England.

This has angered Metsu as he countered: ‘‘I don’t know if it is true or not, but from what we have read their attitude is not very friendly.’’

‘‘From what the coach has been saying, it seems they are really sure of themselves. They are not talking about the match with Senegal, they are already talking about the semi with England or Brazil.

‘‘That shows they are very confident. But it’s not just that they are confident, they have been denigrating us.

‘‘But we are used to that. Even for friendly matches we have had teams not wanting to play us because we were supposedly too weak.

‘‘Well today, all the great football countries know Senegal has a great team.

‘‘We are not here by chance. We deserve our place in the quarter-finals.

‘‘It’s up to us to prove Turkey wrong. For us, it’s a new challenge and we are ready to prove their predictions wrong.’’