Rivaldo says revenge isn't an issue (Allsport).

By Mark Bradley, PA Sport Chief Soccer Writer, Saitama

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Brazil striker Rivaldo has warned Turkey not to seek revenge against him for play-acting in their stormy first-round clash when rivalries are renewed in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final.

He hit back by insisting Turkey had only made it as far as the last four because Brazil had defeated Costa Rica in their final group game.

The incident involving Rivaldo, which occurred towards the end of a controversial Group C encounter, has dominated the minds of several Turkey players in the build-up to the semi-final in Saitama.

When Hakan Unsal kicked the ball into Rivaldo's midriff in frustration just before a corner, the former World Player of the Year collapsed to the ground in feigned agony as he clutched his head.

That led to Unsal being sent off, joining Alpay on the sidelines as Brazil clinched victory with a debatable late penalty.

Aston Villa defender Alpay has been among those to warn Rivaldo, who received a fine and warning from FIFA amid general condemnation of his behaviour, to expect a team seeking revenge.

However, the Barcelona striker insisted: "It would be wrong if they are seeking revenge against me as, if it wasn't for Brazil, then they would not be in the semi-final.

"They needed us to beat Costa Rica for them to qualify from the group, and that is what we did."

If Brazil had drawn against Costa Rica then Turkey would have been unable to qualify for the knock-out stages, from which point they have beaten Japan and Senegal to reach the last four.

The incident nevertheless soured Rivaldo's reputation despite his obvious class and this game now presents him with a chance to redeem himself.

However, former Middlesbrough midfielder Juninho insisted: "He is a great player. I don't think any of us have anything to prove.

"We have already proved it out on the pitch. If Turkey think they are better than us then they should show it in the match against us.

"It was our objective to get to the final and then win the competition.

"We still have a hard team to overcome, but if we keep on going in the same way, then we have a great opportunity to be champions."

Brazil have been boosted by the return to full training of Ronaldo, who is set to be cleared to play on Wednesday after coming through a fitness test.

The striker came off during the quarter-final victory against England last Friday after feeling pain in his right thigh and has since been undergoing intense physiotherapy and taking anti-inflammatory tablets.

With Ronaldinho suspended following his red card against England, there should therefore be just one enforced change to the line-up.

Edilson filled the attacking role alongside Ronaldo in an 11-a-side training session, although Juninho and Denilson, who were the two brightest players for the 'reserve' side, were both used there yesterday.

Brazil are the clear favourites but Rivaldo, who is tied with Ronaldo as Brazil's leading scorer with five goals, has still urged them not to take Turkey lightly.

"There are no favourites in a World Cup semi-final and our tradition will not help us," he declared.

"We are aware that so many teams with a great tradition have already been knocked out.

"We are calm and have been studying the details of our opponents.

"We are ready to give happiness to our country, but we are concentrated like never before to get into the final.

"Our coaches are teaching us about Turkey's strong points and weak points, and we are analysing them. We are also looking at videos and learning from them."

If all goes to plan, Brazil should reach their consecutive World Cup final.

Their glamour, star quality and class are what a tournament full of upsets is desperately crying out for in its showpiece occasion.

Then again, it was in the 1998 final when Brazil spectacularly came unstuck as they collapsed to defeat against France.

Defender Cafu admitted: "Many teams who were considered favourites are out. We have to use our experience of the 1998 World Cup. We have first to win and then to talk."