Germany 3 Turkey 2

This is the end of the road for the "comeback kings." Turkey, the surprise package in the semi-finals were knocked out by the tournament favourites, Germany. The turks reminded me of the Koreans in the 2002 World Cup. They had a never-say-die attitude and great energy in the team. In the first half, Turkey dominated most of the game. They played a good flow of attacking football. The first piece of action came when Kazim Kazim struck the crossbar after a great buildup from the right. Turkey finally took a deserved lead in the 22min when a Kazim Kazim shot was float over a very badly positioned Lehman. However, the ball struck the crossbar again. But it fell to Ugur Boral who scored from closed range. Turkey celebrated but not for long. In the 26min, a fast-paced cross from Podolski found Schweinsteiger, who guided the ball with the outside of his right foot into the net. 1-1 was the score at the end of the half. The 2nd half began and in the 79min, Germany took the lead. A cross from Lahm found Klose whose header found the net. Turkish goalkeeper rushed out to punch the ball but punched air instead. This is the second time he has made such a mistake by rushing out of his goal and ended up conceding a goal. He made the same mistake against Croatia. However, Germany's joy were short-lived. 7min later, Turkey did what they did best in the previous 3 matches. Score late. Sabri skillfully got passed Lahm and his cross from the right found the oncoming Semih, who slotted the ball through Lehman and near post. The "comeback kings" were back in the game. Despite all the hard work from the turks, they conceded again. A great run from Lahm on the left and an exchange pass with Hitzlsperger found Lahm one on one with the keeper and there was only one outcome. Goal. A great right-footed finish from a left-footed Lahm found the top left hand corner from close range. 3-2 was the final score and Germany have booked their place in the final against either Spain or Russia and looked to winning their 4th Euro championship. 

benj