ICH LIEBE DEUTSCHLAND!
It was THE most thrilling match, even thrilling than the quarter finals. Germany won the semi-finals against a positive and well determined Turkey 3-2 to enter into the finals where they will face the winners of the 2nd semi-finals between Russia and Spain.
The Struggle
The first semi-final match against Germany versus Turkey going to be nothing but exciting. Turkey who has played really well in this tournament had secured its place in the semi-finals by beating Croatia in the shootout. Turkey’s fairy tale entrance into the semi-finals was spectacular, however was a bit weakened as some of their players were injured. Germany had entered into the semi-finals by beating Portugal 2-3. Michael Ballack the captain of the German side scored the key goal which ultimately helped Germany enter into semi-finals. German side looked well set and extremely determined as they entered into semi-finals.
Just minutes after kick-off, Turkey launched its attack against the German side. German defenders who did play well against Portugal seemed somewhat out of focus. Some of the passes sent to and fro between the German players seemed sloppy at best. Turkey launched itself again and again trying to gain openings in the failing German defense. And when they finally found that weakness, Ugur Boral of Turkey sent the ball in which rebounded from the post while Lehman, German’s keeper, trying to push the ball away in the 22nd minute of the first half.
German’s who seemed lost at that point, soon sprung into action. Their counter attack against Turkey saw Schweinsteiger deflecting an excellent pass from Lahm into Turkey’s net saw German equalize the score 1-1 in the 26th minute, excatly four minutes after Turkey’s first goal. But their struggle had only begun. Just before the end of the first half, Rofles got severly injured as the match concluded. In the begining of the second half, Frings was bought in to replace Rofles.
The Miracle
Turkey who managed to dominate the first half, slowly seemed to be losing grip as Germans counter-attacked. I got to say this is the best performance I have ever seen from Germany, holding their nerves and playing by the book. Klose scored the second goal in the 79 minute to put Germany ahead in the match, almost ensuring its place in the finals. Turkey needed a miracle to equalize the score and to pull the game into extra time. And a miracle came in the form of Sabri and Semih Senturk. Sabri beating the German defender and crossed it superbly to Semi Senturk who majestically pushed the ball into the goal past Lehman. I felt it was the Lehman’s fault to come in too close and gave enough gap for Senturk to push the ball in.
Everyone who thought Germany had gone through to the finals, including your sincerely, was absolutely stunned by this goal. It was a superb effort and brilliant move from the both these players which pulled Turkey back into the game.
Final Pass
But Germany is a team that you simply can’t mess with it! After a couple of attempts, Lahm who in the first half was fouled but not given, found himself alone and saw the chance to get ahead. He brilliantly dribbled past the defender passed it to his team mate whom brilliantly passed it back to him. There were three Turkey defenders whom I think were trying to cover Bastian Schweinsteiger who brilliantly faked the pass only to find Lahm completely left alone. Rustuc, the Turkey’s goal keeper tried his best to defend but it was not meant to be his day. Lahm scored the final goal in the 90th minute, bringing Germany one step closer to lifting Euro2008 cup.
Lahm scoring the final goal against Turkey to ensure Germany its place in the finals of Euro2008 (source: ESPNStar.com)
All in all, it was a fantastic game and an excellent performance from both the teams. Germany, I felt deserved the place in the finals because of its excellent performance and the ability to hold their nerves in the penultimate hour. I will definitely be posting the video of the goal scored by Lahm later.
I am thrilled and overjoyed by the fact that Germany has entered into Euro 2008. I definitely would want to see Germany raise the Euro 2008 cup. The second semi-final is between Russia and Spain, which is going to be another excellent game. But whoever comes into the finals be prepared, well prepared for the gutsy and rock solid Germans.
You have been warned! GO GERMANY GO!
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