It has been a while since I last saw international football match that thrilled me out like today’s morning match. Czech Republic was the favorite while Turkey step in the stadium as slight underdog, resembling past prediction put on them in World Cup 2002. I was a neutral this time compared to the time when I was having faith in Rustu, Sukur and Tugay.

The match itself opened with a positive attitude. Ball is being passed forward rather than Greek-styled sideways. I enjoyed every moment up until Koller headed home an unstoppable shot passed Volcan. Lamented for awhile as my wish to see the Turks in the next round seems to be inevitably lost.

It getting wearier every minute after the half-game mark as Czech added another goal thru their midfield player, Plasil. Surprisingly, Czech does not seem to care about their reputation as their players started to camp in their own half. I yawned.

Few minutes pass by and Turks suddenly added a goal. Czech players were becoming more negative when all ten of them sat close to their penalty area. I yawned again but constantly kept awake by Turkey’s attacking flow. One decisive moment arrived. Nihat took an easy chance as Czech’s Cech miss predict a cross and parry it backward. Turks celebrate and before time were able to sweep their smile away, Nihat added a remarkable goal, one goal that thrust Turkey into the last 16 and might as well be the contender for tournament’s best goal.

I relived past moment when I was cheering for Turkey. It seems that I had another chance to do that again after all.