As the Turkish anthem started, a super-sized Turkish national flag covered a section of spectators stand, just as a huge Korean flag was displayed at every match. Most audiences had a Korean flag on one hand and a Turkish flag on the other, and a banner read "Daegu Citizens Love Turkey" assured the friendly mood. Some 7,000 Turkish flags were distributed to the audience, who welcomed the opponent players with same excitement as Korean squad.

Ismael Bitirim, a Turk residing in Japan, stressed that Turkey and Korea were brother states which fought together in Korean War, and what is more important than the victory is that the visiting Turks feel right at home in Korea. Bitirim and his three friends shouted in unison "Turkey, Korea, Kardesh!" - meaning brother. Flashing a red hat inspired by the Turkish flag with a star and a crescent moon, twenty three-year-old Jeong Mun-ho posed for foreign press photographers with his girlfriend who wore a hat with Korean flag theme. The couple said that they will support both teams equally.

The streets of Daegu were also filled with Turkish spirit, some 2000 supporters parading with flags. Turkey’s Star TV reporter Serhart Ulruren said he is really moved by the hospitality Koreans showed to the Turks, which he never felt in Japan. (Lee Tae-hun, libra@chosun.com )