Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 5 Num 1072 Thu. June 07, 2007  
   
Sports


Brazil play out Turkey draw


Brazil drew 0-0 with Turkey in a friendly at German side Borussia Dortmund's stadium on Tuesday as the South Americans warmed-up for the Copa America.

The Brazilians were a completely different side from the one which drew 1-1 with England at the new Wembley last weekend -- only central defender Naldo was retained as options were considered for the South American championships in Venezuela next month.

Brazilian stars Ronaldinho of Barcelona and AC Milan's Kaka were brought off the bench in the second half, but it was a lacklustre affair from two sides resting several top names.

Turkey were looking to restore some battered pride after their shock 3-2 defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in their Euro 2008 qualifying match last Saturday and are second in Group C behind European champions Greece.

Under the guidance of captain Yildiray Basturk, Turkey had the Brazilians on the back foot in the first-half, but could not get the breakthrough they needed.

In the second-half, midfielder Diego, one of the Bundesliga's top players last season for Werder Bremen, had the best chance to break the deadlock, but his header fell into the arms of the Turkish keeper in front of a crowd of 26,000.

Picture
Brazilian defender Marcelo jumps over Turkey's Hamit Altintop at the Signal Iduna Park stadium in Dortmund. PHOTO: AFP