The 2002 FIFA World Cup holds an unforgettable place in Turkey's football history. Ay-Yıldızlılar captured the hearts of football fans worldwide, especially by reaching the semifinals of a tournament that drew significant attention and interest globally.

The beginning of the tournament was filled with an exciting atmosphere for Turkey. In their first group match against Brazil, Turkey lost 2-1; however, this defeat did not break the team's spirit. On the contrary, the national team gained a significant advantage in their quest to advance from the group by defeating China 3-0 in their second group match. They secured their spot as runners-up in the group by beating Costa Rica 1-0 in the third match.

Next, Ay-Yıldızlılar faced Japan in the Round of 16. This match showcased one of Turkey's most impressive performances in the tournament. Winning 1-0, they advanced to the quarter-finals. In the quarter-finals, Turkey met Senegal, again winning 1-0 to book their place in the semifinals.

In the semifinal, Turkey's opponent was Brazil. This match brought the challenges of facing one of the biggest teams in world football. Although Turkey lost 1-0, they received great appreciation for their overall performance in the tournament.

Finally, Turkey defeated South Korea 3-2 in the third-place match, finishing the tournament in third place. This achievement marked a turning point in Turkey's football history, and Ay-Yıldızlılar won the hearts of football fans around the world. The extraordinary success in the 2002 World Cup once again demonstrated the potential of Turkish football and served as an inspiration for future generations.