Turkey star player: Nihat Kahveci
What do you expect personally from this tournament?
This is a very important tournament for me because all the eyes of the world are on it. It might change my future and it’s a big thing to tell your friends and family year after year. If all goes according to plan, this will be my first big tournament as a starter. At the 2002 World Cup I made only a couple of substitute appearances. I was a bit of an odd man out among the forwards.
I’m really looking forward to playing an active role this time, to make my mark. I’m now 28 and I feel completely ready to take my chance. I see the European Championshipas the next vital step in my career. I’ve proved my mettle in a top league - Spain’s - and now aim to score goals and make a contribution in Switzerland.
Do you think being part of a very successful Villarreal side will help you?
Absolutely. I’m scoring regularly and full of confidence. I couldn’t ask for more on the eve of this championship.
What is the team’s attitude going into the finals?
We will take this tournament step by step. Every game is a final for us. We want to win every game but our first aim is to get into the next round. After that, anything is possible.
How realistic are Turkey’s chances of making the quarter-finals?
Outside Turkey, most of the so-called experts rank us as the fourth best team in the group. We can draw a
lot of motivation from such comments. We will have a lot of support and the team will be united and have the will to surprise people.
What is the team’s biggest strength?
The most important thing is that we fight for 90 minutes.
Which country are your favourites to win the title and which player is going to be the star?
Italy could do well, I like the way Holland play and, of course, Portugal are dangerous. But we are hot, too. I think Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to be the star of the finals. My only wish is that he has a bad game against us.
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