Rising stars

Four emerging heroes of the 2002 semi-finalists

MARCOS: Brazil and Palmeiras

Position: Goalkeeper Age: 28 Caps: 21

Marcos Roberto Silveira Reis is known for the strength of his religious beliefs but even his faith must have been tested when he was injured during practice yesterday. The Brazilian goalkeeper missed the 2000 season with a hand injury and wondered whether he would play again. He said after his starring role in Brazil's second-round victory over Belguim: "I dedicate my victory to God. One year ago doctors operated on my hand and I was not even playing football. Today, I'm playing at the World Cup. I suffered so much to be here now. I thought I would have to stop playing football." Yesterday the player known to fans as St Marcos damaged his thigh as he went for a corner. He was helped to the dressing rooms, but the team doctor later said he should be fit for tomorrow's semi-final.

A reserve at Palmeiras until the age of 26, Marcos saved a penalty on debut then starred in the club's triumph in the Libertadores Cup (South America's Champions' League). But he does not want a penalty shoot-out in the finals as "it's too agonising for the Brazilian supporters". He also hopes to avoid the fate of past Brazilian keepers who, he said, were made "scapegoats", like the late Barbosa, the goalkeeper when Brazil were beaten 2-1 by Uruguay in Rio de Janeiro in the decisive match of the 1950 World Cup. Barbosa lived with the stigma for the rest of his life.

HASAN SAS: Turkey and Galatasaray

Position: Striker Age: 25 Caps: 19

A drugs ban and a broken dressing room window long ago made Hasan Sas well-known to Turkish football fans. It is his performances, rather than his explosive personality, which have brought him wider attention at this World Cup.

One of the discoveries of the tournament, his clever passing and incisive running have been a big contribution to Turkey's success. It has also earned him the honour of having a bridge in Turkey named after him. Only Umit Davala has been similarly recognised in the tournament.

Shaven-headed and athletic, he came to prominence at Ankaragucu before joining Galatasaray in 1998. However a six-month ban after testing positive for banned substances, which he blamed on an over-the-counter cold cure, delayed his progress. A big-occasion player, he has scored against Real Madrid and Milan at club level and tomorrow's opponents, Brazil, in the World Cup's group stage. He surprised spectators by showing no emotion after that last goal. He explained: "It just wasn't in me to celebrate. I was surprised at that." He showed more emotion after the Champions' League match against Roma last season, putting his fist through a window in a row over who was responsible for giving away a last-minute penalty.

Milan and Nantes have expressed an interest in him and he is likely to receive further offers after the tournament.

CHRISTOPH METZELDER: Germany and Borussia Dortmund

Position: Defender Age: 21 Caps: 11

Regarded as an example of the new breed of German defender, one who stays on his feet rather than powering through opponents. This is confirmed by a World Cup record of just 11 fouls, and no yellow cards, in five matches – a rare achievement in a physical German side. No less a judge than Franz Beckenbauer said of him: "He is the first German defender to make me hopeful for the future for years. He can play football."

Even so, had it not been for Jens Nowotny's pre-tournament knee injury he would have remained on the bench. Began the campaign on the left of a back three but, since Carsten Ramelow was dismissed against Cameroon, has formed a central defensive partnership with Thomas Linke which is yet to concede a goal in nearly fours hours' football.

Released as a youngster by Schalke 04 he finished the German equivalent of A levels while playing in the lower divisions with Preussen Münster. Joined Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2000. Won the Bundesliga last season and reached the Uefa Cup final. Rudi Völler, the German coach, said: "He is still learning but he has had a very good World Cup. He has a tremendous career ahead of him. He has more potential than he realises."

HONG MYUNG-BO: South Korea and Pohang Steelers

Position: Sweeper Age: 33 Caps: 131

The best player on the pitch from either side, by some distance, in the pre-World Cup warm-up against England, Hong has continued to show the class and experience gleaned during 131 internationals. Playing his fourth World Cup, he has shown composure in defence – committing only five fouls in five matches – and when stepping into midfield. He also held his nerve to score the clinching penalty during South Korea's quarter-final shoot-out victory over Spain.

Hong spent four years with J-League clubs, becoming the first Korean to captain a Japanese club side at Kashiwa Reysol in 2000 – a significant feat given the dismissive view of many Japanese towards their former colony.

A shin injury, which kept him out for six months, threatened his World Cup participation but he returned to guide the team to three clean sheets in a late-spring European tour. Guus Hiddink, South Korea's Dutch manager, said: "I am very happy with his attitude. He's very clear-minded and positive."

Hong, who scored against Germany in the 1994 World Cup, added: "We now feel we can be a match for anyone, including Germany."