Victory vital for Volkan
14 Jun 2008 - 18:12:18
Turkey goalkeeper Volkan Demirel believes he will not be required to take part in a penalty shoot-out as his side is good enough to beat the Czech Republic on Sunday and qualify for the quarter-finals.
Both sides are level on points, goal difference and goals scored so, if Sunday's game between the two teams ends in a draw, a shoot-out will determine who will finish as runners-up in Group A behind Portugal.
Fenerbahce shot-stopper Volkan said: "If the game goes to penalties, I will do my best, but I am sure we will go through without needing a shoot-out.
"The back four and I will have a tough task because the Czechs are a tall outfit, but our defenders play better against that sort of opposition.
"Our nation, our people, should believe in us because we have the capability.
"It was bad luck to start the tournament with Portugal, but the victory (against Switzerland) was more important than my saves.
"I hope we can continue this story, qualify for the quarter-finals and take it from there."