2002 Turkey Home – Sukur #9

Tournament Overview

Turkey's highest finish at the FIFA World Cup came in 2002, when they placed third. Their group started with a 2–1 loss to Brazil, then a 1–1 draw with Costa Rica and a 3–0 win over China. Brazil's 5–2 win over Costa Rica sent Turkey through as group runners-up on goal difference. They then beat co-hosts Japan 1–0 in the round of 16 to reach the last eight for the first time.

In the quarter-final, substitute İlhan Mansız scored a golden goal in extra time against Senegal to send Turkey into their first World Cup semi-final. Ronaldo's goal gave Brazil a 1–0 win over Turkey in Saitama. Turkey then beat South Korea 3–2 in the third-place match, in only their second World Cup. That squad is still remembered as Turkey's "Golden Generation", and this red adidas home shirt is the one it wore.

Player's Impact – Hakan Şükür

Şükür wore the number 9 and led the line for Turkey in 2002. ESPN credits him with 7 appearances and 13 shots at the tournament. He had gone five appearances without scoring. His one World Cup goal came in the third-place match and helped secure the bronze medal.

That goal came 11 seconds after kick-off against South Korea, the fastest in World Cup history. He added two assists as Turkey won 3–2. He finished his international career with 51 goals in 112 games, a Turkey record. A Şükür-printed 2002 home shirt carries the name of the man behind that record, which makes it a strong piece for any collector of World Cup history.

Turkey Squad – 2002 FIFA World Cup

Manager: Şenol Güneş

Goalkeepers: Rüştü Reçber, Ömer Çatkıç, Zafer Özgültekin

Defenders: Emre Aşık, Bülent Korkmaz, Fatih Akyel, Alpay Özalan, Ümit Özat

Midfielders: Okan Buruk, Tugay Kerimoğlu, Yıldıray Baştürk, Muzzy Izzet, Tayfur Havutçu, Ergün Penbe, Abdullah Ercan, Hakan Ünsal, Emre Belözoğlu, Ümit Davala

Forwards: Arif Erdem, Hakan Şükür, Hasan Şaş, Nihat Kahveci, İlhan Mansız