Germany set up a Euro 2008 final against either Spain or Russia after a last-gasp Philipp Lahm goal earned them a 3-2 win over Turkey in Basel.Ugur Boral put a dominant Turkey in front in the 22nd minute but Bastian Schweinsteiger drew the Germans five minutes later and, despite never impressing, they took the lead through a Miroslav Klose header 11 minutes from time.
Turkey scored yet another late goal through Semih Senturk to send the game heading towards extra-time but Lahm finished off Germany's best move of the match in the final minute to put them in the final.
The pre-tournament favourites had the luxury of being able to name an unchanged side for the game but it was Turkey - who were missing a raft of key players through injury and suspension - that set the early pace.
London-born forward Colin Kazim-Richards forced Jens Lehmann into the first action in the seventh minute and the former Brighton forward went even closer on 13 when he smashed a powerful effort against the bar following a cutback in the box from Ayhan Akman.
Turkey didn't have to wait much longer to take the lead and Kazim-Richards was involved again as his right-wing cross on 22 looped over Lehmann and onto the bar for Boral to bundle past the out-of-sorts Germany keeper and over the line from close range.
Joachim Low's side were on the ropes but they were immediately sparked into action and equalised within five minutes. Lukas Podolski collected the ball on the left and his low cross into the box was expertly diverted into the far corner by Schweinsteiger, who had stolen a yard on his marker.
Semih, Hamit Altintop and Boral forced Lehmann into further action before the interval but it was the Germans who really should have taken a half-time lead with Podolski firing widly over after being put clean through by Thomas Hitzlsperger.
Germany were unfortunate not to be awarded a penalty six minutes into the second period when Lahm was brought down by Sabri Sarioglu but the favourites rarely looked worthy of that tag in a game they never looked in charge of.
However it looked as though they had earned their place in the final on 79 when a flapping Rustu Recber was beaten to a deep cross by Klose, who headed into an empty net.
Turkey have seen plenty of late drama in this tournament, though, and they deservedly drew themselves level with just four minutes remaining when Lehmann somehow allowed Semih to toe-poke Sabri's cross past him at the near post.
But, unbelievably, the drama was not over there and Germany did secure their place in Sunday's showpiece when Lahm played a one-two with Hitzlsperger and fired superbly into the roof of the net from inside the box. Spain or Russia now await.
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as a half-german/half-portuguese i'm happy that germany could reach the final yet once more! nevertheless, and to be quiet honest, turkey played tonight the best football so it doesnīt give me the same pleasure it would have given if we'd outplayed them! I have to compliment turkey not only for the great game provided, but also for the resillience they demonstrated the whole tournament! terim is also a huge coach! he really seems to have that so called 'german winning mentality'.. So it's only fair to congratulate the turkish side with the promise that their football is growing (as they already demonstrated in 2002). As for germany i hope they show again another face in the final like they did against poland and portugal.. But it is clear that the team lacks in many aspects. The defence metzelder/mertesacker is simply terrible! Lahm - SO SMALL AND YET SO BIG!!! (if germany wins the euro he could well turn out to be the best player!) Ballack seems to alternate between good and bad displays.. podolski and schweinsteiger are simply the best! good and regular performances! they are the engine of this not so well tuned machine and both of them should play next season in the premiership or spain/italy! they should make the move it would help the german team too! klose hasnīt been much in focus either but i'm guessing it has to do with the system that simply seems to get stucked somewhere in the centrefield sometimes. If i were Low I'd change the tactics in the final trying to surprise the opponent with speed even if it is risky - they have to show some good football. the potential is there and we'll definitely see a stronger germany in the world cup 2010!
congrats to germany and especially turkey...the most exciting team in euro 2008...you guys showed what real heart is...i look forward to watching you play in the world cup 2010..
love from canada!!!
Hats off to TURKEY. I am not Turkish yet i was jumping up n down with every shot they made and every opportunity they had. i didn't even know the names of half of the Turkish team players as most of them were reserves and subs but what a game , what a spirit, THIS IS FOOTBALL!! The Germans always manage to get away with mediocre performance but that is Germany's style. They have always been known for exploiting opponents defensive mistakes. they strike like thunder and before you know it they are in the final despite starting on the wrong foot and despite being outplayed,or out skilled during the game!! I became a fan of the Turkish team and especially a fan of their coach Mr. Fatih. You stunned Europe guys and surpassed all expectations...... well done!
Congratulations Germany. Always the best team of the day wins and good luck during the finals on Sunday.
The good part is that German players are not as arrogant as the their fans. After all I don't know how German these arrogant fans are. Am yet to see
Brilliant Germans???? Whoever meets Germany in the final will win!!! Russia and Spain have a midfield that will take the Germans apart. Turkey had a very weak team against Germany and should have beaten them well. The best team lost. If that's how Germany will play in the final then they will lose and that will be for the best because as every neutral fan knows, Germany don't deserve this final. At best they are a club side.
All the congratulations go to Turkey for making this the best game of the tournament. They have thrilled both their own fans and us neutrals. For their courage and their attacking play they should be celebrated. Their skill level was superb. Every Turk should be proud of their team tonight.
Congratulations Germany! :)
Well done to the German team for reaching the finals, good luck in the final.
And to my team the Turkish team, as a Turk I want to say that I am proud of each and everyone of you all, great effort by everyone, we love you all. :)
And to fellow Turks please ignore those who try to stir everyone up with insultive/racist/hate messages.
Lets make sportsmanship and friendship win above all.
Best wishes to everyone from sunny Turkiye! :)
Bye bye Turkey..go home and prepare the turkey..ooppsss,sorry you have been defeated...Good bye! At the end of the day the brilliant German get through and kicked you out of the tournament regardless how good or best you played..ngeh ngeh ngeh...
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