Japan came out flying, creating some good scoring chances early on and showing the confidence and creativity that brought them this far. But Turkey's Umit Davala changed the face of the entire game at the 12-minute mark with his noggin, heading in a strong corner kick by Ergun Penbe. The surprise goal after Japan had applied much of the pressure in the early going seemed to take the life out of the blue and white.

Japan managed to get their feet going again in the second half with two very good scoring chances but it was not to be. The Turkish defence beared down even further afterward and shut the door on the Japanese offence.

Turkey faces Senegal next with a berth in the semifinals on the line this Saturday.

(Glen Choi, glen@chosun.com )