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| You are in: Euro2000: Teams: Turkey |
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Monday, 12 June, 2000, 17:30 GMT 18:30 UK
Izzet straining at the leash
![]() Izzet: Keen to make an impact against Sweden
Leicester City's Muzzy Izzet said he believes Turkey can beat Sweden on Thursday, and is desperate to get on the pitch to play his part.
"The most important thing is the first game and you don't want to lose your first game. And that's exactly what we've done," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"We going to be in the same position as Sweden - they lost their opening game. "The next game is massive, because if we lose that, then that's it." He said he understood the reasons coach Mustafa Denizli left him on the bench for Sunday's clash with Italy, which Turkey lost 2-1 thanks to a 70th-minute Filippo Inzaghi penalty. "This was a big game, the opening game and he stuck by the players who got him here and I can appreciate that," said Izzet.
"It's good to be on the subs bench, but obviously you want to get on and show them what you can do as well." He said he thought the penalty given by Scottish referee Hugh Dallas was harsh, and the bottle-throwing reaction of Turkish fans was understandable given the decision.
"The supporters get worked up and obviously they don't like to see their team concede a penalty," he said. He added that he had settled in to the side well , despite not being able to speak Turkish. "The lads have made it really nice, they've all made me feel really welcome. I've had no problem with any of the players and the coaches have been really good. "I've settled in no problem at all, but obviously all you want to do is play."
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