Germany Beat Turkey 3-2 to enter the Finals of Euro 2008
The Turkish team have earned the tag of “Masters of Comeback” They have featured in 3 of the most dramatic comebacks two in the league stages[against The Czech Republic and Switzerland) and one in the quarter final stage (against Croatia). A similar tale was expected of Fatih Terim team in their first semi finals against Germany. The story seemed to be going on similar lines but Germany gave them a taste of their own medicine. A last minute goal by Philip Lahm send Germany through to the finals and brought an end to the Dream run of the Turks in a rather cruel way.
Eventhough Germany won the match, it was Turkey that displayed some quality football in the first half .Missing four players through suspension and a further five through injury, Terim’s hand was forced. So limited were his options that he had to play a midfielder at centre-back and a right-sided player in midfield, but today’s top tactician has to be an alchemist, able to meld his materials to his end. With a patched-up squad, Terim constructed a team playing as a unit, and one that crashed in 15 shots on the German goal in a pulsating first half.
Though Germany won eventually, it was Turkey who took the lead in the 22nd minute. Sabri Sarıoğlu threw the ball to Ayhan who chested it back, and from Sabri’s cross Kazım’s imperfect strike looped on to the crossbar – happily for the Crescent Stars an even untidier finish from Uğur burrowed under Lehmann’s body. Score 1-0 in Turkey’s favor.
Turkey had only led for a combined nine minutes in the previous four games Miracles or not, now omens were in opposition. Of the 19 teams who had taken the lead in a EURO semi-final since 1960, 13 had gone on to win and only three to lose – but ominously for Terim’s team, Germany had never lost when Schweinsteiger had scored. This time the Turkish lead lasted for 4 minutes only as Germany hit back through Schweinsteiger. Lukas Podolski, the left prong in the trident behind Klose, delivered the centre which Schweinsteiger turned in from close range. Score 1-1 and a keen tussle seemed to be at hand.
Miroslav Klose pressed home the German advantage when he scored via his trademark header. The score was 2-1 in Germany’s Favor. But Turkey was not going down without a fight. With just 4 minutes of regular time remaining, Turkey once again looked like making a comeback. This time it was Semi senturk finishing at the near post after a fine play from Sabri. The Masters of Comeback seemed to have done it again.
But destiny had something else in store for the Turks. Their art of coming back
from the dead seemed to have deserted them when they needed it the most. A last second goal by Germany’s Philip Lahm, ended their dream run in the most cruelest way. Seconds from the end of normal time, the Turkish defence parted and Philipp Lahm stole in to score and end their odyssey.
Fatih Termi’s men now leave Euro 2008 with their heads held high as one of the most colourful teams to have played in Euro 2008.
Germany have made it to their sixth final appearance and now face the winners of Spain Vs. Russia match.
Filed under: Euro 2008, Sports, The Turkish Magic Comes to an End , germany, semi final 1, turkey
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