[Daniel24]

Turkey hoping to reverse trend against Portugal at Euro 2008

NYON, Switzerland (AP) -Turkey is hoping that the third time will be the charm.

The Turks have twice lost to Portugal in the European Championship, first in the group stage at Euro 1996 and then in the quarterfinals four years later. On Saturday, they'll get another chance to play the Euro 2004 finalists in their opening Group A match at this year's tournament.

"Turkey indeed lost the previous two times against Portugal but we will play the third game,'' Turkey midfielder Mehmet Aurelio said Monday. "We are well prepared and we are here to change the course (of history).''

The Turks considered themselves rookies at Euro 1996. For the players and the fans at home, just playing in Europe's top football tournament was a victory, so completion of the group stage without scoring a goal did not hurt too much.

But the match against Portugal in 2000 was especially bitter, especially after Turkey was reduced to 10 men in the first half.

Saturday's game, however, should give the Turks a good start in Group A, according to Aurelio.

"It's so important because it's the first game,'' said Aurelio, who was born in Brazil but became a Turkish citizen in 2006. "If we beat them, then it will be a great motivation.''

But besides facing Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates, Turkey will also have to cope with the injury to Bayern Munich midfielder Hamit Altintop, who hurt his hamstring while training in Germany on Friday. The German club said he was a "doubtful starter'' for the game against Portugal.

Portugal's national team did not make the same announcement, however, and Hamit trained with the team Monday in Switzerland. But the Turks have other injury worries as well.

Servet Cetin, the center of Turkey backline, was seriously injured when he was first called up in May. Turkey coach Fatih Terim said Cetin is recovering fast and is strong enough to bear the occasional pain. Gokhan Gonul, the promising right back whom Brazil great Zico has called Europe's new Cafu, was lost to a swollen right foot. Gonul regretfully said it was due to his insistence on playing with his team Fenerbahce in the Champions League this year.

Turkey will also play co-host Switzerland on June 11 and then face the Czech Republic on June 15 at this month's tournament.

Turkey hoping to reverse trend against Portugal at Euro 2008 - - SI.com