THE Japanese adventure in the World Cup fell upon a tough, uncompromising Turkish display as the co-hosts lost 1-0 in Miyagi.

A 12th minute goal from Davala saw Japan exit the competition and tears from the thousands of fans in the stadium.

Poor marking at a corner allowed Umit Davala to crash home a header unchallenged and Turkey held on despite coming under extreme pressure in the second half.

Alex had Japan's best opportunities in the first half.

The Brazilian-born midfielder had his 21st-minute shot from the left side of the box stopped by goalkeeper Rustu Recber.

Just three minutes before halftime, Alex's curling free kick hit the left corner of the woodwork.

But the Turkish keeper was not asked to perform any real saves of note as his defence held-off the Japanese attack.

Japanese coach Philippe Troussier admitted lack of experience and concentration were the main reasons for his side failing to progress further than their first-ever appearance in the second round.

"We were playing against a very strong Turkish team, but we still had our chances and did not let them dominate the match," he said.

"We had the free-kick that hit the bar and other opportunities to score.

"However there is still a lack of experience in the Japanese team.

"The defeat was due to inattention on our part for the goal, but we certainly proved we were at a level to play against other big teams.

"We tried to score and we couldn't do it but we certainly showed our pride and our values.

"It is a young and dynamic team - that is our image. The ambition for the team is now 2006."

Turkey now go on to face new-boys Senegal in the quarter-finals on Saturday, June 22, with a 12.30pm BST kick-off.

And the winner of this game will face the winner of the England/Brazil match-up on Wednesday, June 26.

ROVERS PLAYER-WATCH

EWOOD Park's Turkish stars Tugay and Hakan Unsal played their part in Turkey's win over co-hosts Japan, here we look at how they performed...

36 Tugay makes a good tackle in the middle of the park and is then fouled.

39 Hakan Unsal gets across to clear a dangerous cross and is fouled in the process.

48 Tugay is involved in a passing move as Turkey try to keep the cohosts at bay.

72 Tugay cleared up in the middle of the park but wasted his pass.

74 Tugay is felled in midfield and stretchered off holding his ankle but he returns after treatment.

83 Unsal is working hard down the left to thwart the hosts.

93 The two Rovers players join the celebrations on the pitch as Turkey reach the last eight for the first time.

VERDICT:

Both Tugay and Hakan Unsal were solid if unspectacular but will relish the opportunity to take on Senegal at the weekend.