On 23 June 2003, one of the biggest shocks in Confederations Cup history took place when Turkey qualified for the semi-finals at Brazil’s expense. The Turks managed to secure the point they needed in a 2-2 draw against their more decorated opponents in the final group stage match, the only time A Seleção have not made it out of the group stage in the tournament’s history.

It was partial revenge for Turkey after Brazil had inflicted two defeats on them at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan™: 2-1 in the opening group-stage game and 1-0 in the semi-final. In 2002, the Brazilians ended up lifting the trophy, while the Crescent Stars finished in third place.

Level on points and goal difference, Turkey made it through the following summer on merit of having scored four goals to Brazil’s three.