Carlos doesn't fear yellow peril

Brazil defender Roberto Carlos insists that he will not allow any fears of joining Michael Ballack in being suspended for the World Cup final to cloud his mind in today’s semi-final against Turkey.

The Real Madrid wing-back is the only Brazil player to have picked up a yellow card in the knock-out phase of the tournament.

Another booking would rule him out of any appearance in the final, just as Germany midfielder Ballack has found to his cost.

However, Roberto Carlos insists he can only concentrate on securing victory against Turkey, or his team will not be appearing in the final in any case.

"We are playing football in a World Cup and playing to win, not worrying about yellow cards. I won’t think about the final yet," he maintained.

Brazil were attempting to reach their third consecutive World Cup final, although they have astonishingly never previously met Germany at the World Cup.

Striker Ronaldo is set to start today’s game in Saitama despite having come off injured with a thigh problem during his team’s quarter-final victory against England.

Ronaldo was back in full training yesterday, meaning that only one enforced change is expected, given that Ronaldinho, who was sent off against England, is suspended.

Striker Edilson filled the vacant attacking role during training yesterday, although Denilson and Juninho have been tried out there in previous sessions.

"We are not worried about any changes as we have many people who can substitute well for Ronaldinho," stressed Roberto Carlos.

Some Turkey players have expressed their desire to seek revenge against Rivaldo for his play-acting during the group stage fixture between the two countries earlier this month.

Brazil won 2-1 due to a disputed late penalty after two Turkey players had been sent off, including Hakan Unsal for kicking the ball at Rivaldo, who pretended that it had struck him in the face and not the stomach.

Roberto Carlos insists that not only will Brazil be taking Turkey seriously, but that they will not allow themselves to be thrown out of their stride.

"The atmosphere inside the camp is very calm. We trust ourselves a lot. We are playing with calm," he declared.

"I don’t see Brazil as favourites. It’s 90 minutes of a hard game which is very important for our country.

"I understand that we are considered more famous than Turkey, but no players are thinking like that. We haven’t won anything so far. It would be stupid to think we had already beaten Turkey.

"Of course, Turkey think they can win. If they come into the semi-final of a World Cup thinking of losing, then they are not a team. I believe they are a very serious team though."