Vienna June 20- Turkey has reached their first-ever UEFA European Championship semi-final after defeating Croatia 3-1 on penalties in a sensational Euro 2008 quarter finals match yesterday in Vienna.
The score was at 1-1 till the last minute of extra-time and the match results had to be decided on penalties. Though Croatia had looked to have won the game as it entered extra time, it was Turkey that took away the victory by scoring a 3-1 over their rivals in the penalties.
Turkey had beaten Czech Republic to book a place in the Euro Cup 2008 quarter finals and Croatia had won against Germany to lead Group B. The Euro 2008 match results showed that both teams would give their best to make it to the knockout rounds and so they did. Croatia and Turkey players started off quite tensed. But, 5 minutes into the game and the teams were fighting hard to be in control.
Croatia's Darijo Srna's shot was blocked by Hakan Balta, while Robert Kovac stopped Turkey's Hamit Altintop's free-kick. The two set of players put up an impressive performances, but Turkey had more of ball possession. However, Croatia was close to open the scoring four minutes after half time ended. Later, Olic blocked Gökhan Zan's header and minutes later Rüstü made a save from Kanjcar.
The war continued with none of the two teams being able to score. The second Euro 2008 quarter final match reached extra time that brought a sensational turn of events. Ivan Klasnic turned Modric's cross into a superb goal in the 119th minute and it looked Croatia would take the winning glory. Yet, Turkey grabbed a last minute equalizer as Semih Senturk hit back taking the match to the penalties.
A thrilling climax saw Turkey seal a place in the tournament semi-finals as Croatia missed three penalty chances as Modric, Petric and Rakitic failed to hit the net. Winning 3-1 against Croatia, Turkey will be playing Germany in Basel on 29th.
Final Score Croatia-Turkey Match June 20
Croatia 1-1 Turkey
Turkey (1-3) win on penalties
