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Turkish fans see dream fade

One win from the final: Reflecting what might have been

ISTANBUL, Turkey -- As Brazil celebrated its seventh World Cup final place, a wave of disappointment flooded Turkey.

The Turkish squad had carried the hopes of the nation into its first ever semifinal.

It was Turkey's first World Cup for 48 years and the team's success in reaching the last four sparked unprecedented celebrations.

But a goal by Ronaldo in the 49th minutes sealed any hopes of a historic appearance against Germany in Sunday's final. (Match report)

"We're in the big league of world soccer now and in the years to come the whole world will stop for us," said Levent Bilinc, watching the game in a crowd of thousands in Istanbul's central Taksim square.

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"We're very sad but we're going to win the play-off and come third," he said.

Thousands had gathered around a giant screen to watch the game in Taksim, the tension visible on faces painted in the national colours, red and white.

People climbed on benches and vans to get a better view but the party mood was dampened when Brazil's only goal came.

"We were totally demoralised when Brazil scored the goal," Husamettin Zayit told Reuters.

World Cup fever had been building in the run-up to kick-off.

Balconies sported the Turkish flag and television presenters dressed in the national colours.

Public workers were given the afternoon off work to watch the game and financial markets ground to a halt.

Traders said the bourse trading floor was dead with most people watching the game on large screens.

Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari paid a handsome tribute to Turkey.

He said: "We expected Turkey to be a very hard opponent. They play hard, they play different. From midfield to attack they are a very good team.

"They created a lot of opportunities. They are a dangerous team but we have learned the way they play.

"We expected to win by more but I would like to congratulate Turkey. To be among the best four of the World Cup is a great achievement."

Turkey now face South Korea on Saturday in the third-place play-off.