Basturk, who plays for Germany’s Bayer Leverkusen and helped them to the final of the Champions League and a league second place in Germany this season, said he was familiar with the bulk of Brazil’s star-studded squad from his experience in Europe.

“In terms of skill I think the two teams are level, but we have the stronger team spirit. Making the most of that I’m sure we will give them a good game,” he said yesterday.

Brazil’s progress to this World Cup was a hectic affair, with six losses and coaching changes in a team much of which is based at wealthy European sides.

Turkey would like at least a draw against Brazil in a drive to ensure qualification to the next round of their first World Cup in 48 years.

Turkish coach Senol Gunes has only introduced Basturk into the international set-up in recent years but the slight figure has earned a firm place with nimble performances, often in the ‘hole’ behind striker Hakan Sukur, creating chances and passes for the goal-scorer.

The same skills have helped Basturk get to know many Brazilians in Europe. “I’ve played them all in the Champions League. I know them all well, so I will prepare on that basis,” Basturk said.

German-born Basturk said he had reported to his Turkish team-mates on Brazilian defender Lucio, also at Bayer, but the news was not good for the Turkish strike force.

“Of course we talk about him but I can tell you he does not make many mistakes, he’s a good man ... despite playing aggressively he does not pick up many cards,” he said.

Striker Ilhan Mansiz, another of the Turkish squad born in Germany, said he thought the Brazil clash would be a close game. “The team that makes the least mistakes will win,” he said.

Basturk said he was hoping for a transfer to a bigger European club after the World Cup.