Davala is mobbed after his Japan winner (Allsport)

By Ian Parkes, PA Sport, Osaka

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Umit Davala is determined to keep the smiles on the faces of the Turkish people as World Cup success has temporarily overshadowed their domestic problems.

Turkey's march to the quarter-finals of the tournament, and an Osaka showdown with Senegal, has led to what Davala describes as "a festival atmosphere" in his homeland.

Coach Senol Gunes' side have already broken new ground by reaching the last eight for the first time in the country's history, with Turkey's only other appearance at the finals resulting in a first-round exit in 1954.

Turkey have achieved what Gunes promised almost as soon as his side had qualified for the Far East bonanza, now the 50-year-old former international keeper's confidence is such he has offended Senegal by already looking ahead towards the semi-finals.

Davala, who ended the hopes and dreams of everyone in Japan when he second a 12th minute header to send the co-hosts out of the competition on Tuesday, is careful not to get as carried away as his coach.

But the AC Milan midfielder, who answered questions in four languages yesterday - Turkish, German, Italian and English - is fully aware just what further success will mean to the Turks.

"I don't get on the scoresheet very often so it gave me great pride that I did it for my country in such an important match," explained Germany-born Davala.

"Because there are a lot of problems in our country, Tuesday's result against Japan was a great one for our people and our team.

"After that game I spoke with my family and they told me it was a festival atmosphere back home in Turkey.

"After an absence of 48 years from the World Cup, what they were seeing was all new to them, so everybody was very happy.

"It was the same in Germany. I've seen a few of the German newspapers and every Turkish person there was also happy after our victory, but now we want to go forward.

"Our goal is to reach the final, but we have a very, very important game ahead of us against Senegal, and we know their team is very strong."

While Senegal have already stated they would have preferred to have played Japan at this stage, Turkey are happy they are not facing Sweden, who suffered a golden goal defeat to coach Bruno Metsu's side in the second round.

Turkey could only manage a draw in their two qualification matches with the Swedes, yet Davala knows Senegal are likely to prove just as tough opposition.

"I'm relieved we're not playing Sweden, but Senegal are a good team and it will be a tough game for both of us," added Davala.

"We have watched videos of their matches and we have seen that they run and fight, but if we fight as hard as them then we can beat them."

Captain Hakan Sukur and Blackburn defender Hakan Unsal are Sunes' major concerns with thigh and knee injuries respectively, while goalkeeper Rustu Recber should be fit despite an ongoing hamstring problem.

Leicester's Muzzy Izzet and Inter Milan's Okan Buruk, neither of whom have yet figured, are now fit after shaking off thigh and calf problems, while Gunes also has Emre Belozoglu and Emre Asik free from suspension.