Archives

by Brian Homewood

ULSAN, South Korea, Monday (Reuters) - Rivaldo struck a penalty three minutes from time to give Brazil a controversial 2-1 win in which two Turkey players were sent off on Monday in their opening World Cup match.

Turkey defender Alpay Ozalan pulled back substitute Luizao as he bore down on goal to concede the penalty on the edge of the 18-metre box and was immediately shown the red card in the 86th minute.

Turkey were incensed by the decision by South Korean referee Kim Young-joo but Rivaldo coolly converted from the spot.

Seconds before the final whistle Hakan Unsal was sent off for kicking the ball at Rivaldo as he prepared to take a corner. The Barcelona player collapsed theatrically clutching his head, although the ball hit his legs.

Ronaldo had earlier scored his first goal in a competitive international for nearly three years to equalise five minutes after halftime.

Turkey, playing at their first World Cup for 48 years, stunned the four-times world champions when Hasan Sas gave them the lead in first half injury time.

Brazil, with Ronaldo showing flashes of the play which made him twice World Player of the Yera, dominated the match but were repeatedly denied by Turkish goalkeeper Rustu Recber.

After a lively opening, the first half exploded in the last five minutes as Rustu produced three saves in a row to keep Brazil at bay and Turkey went up the other end and scored.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager