Basel June 25- Germany goes to Euro Cup 2008 final after a dramatic 3-2 win against Turkey, a team that put up a brave fight till the last minute. The first Euro 2008 semi-final match turned out to be a spectacular show as both the teams were totally into the game from the beginning till the end.
The game was a tough contest for each of the two sides as both tried to outplay the other. However, a goal from Phillip Lahm in the 90th minute gave Germany the pass it needed to enter the finals. Turkey, despite valiant efforts, failed to equalize.
First Half
The match had begun well for Turkey. A cross from Ugur cleared the way for Turkey players and Kazim Kazim got a chance to score. Hamit Altintop, Hakan Balta and Ayhan Akman struck from different sides. Germany hit back 17 minutes into the game. Phillip Lahm and team captain Michael Ballack sprung into action putting their rivals in a difficult situation.
In the 22nd minute, Turkey struck and opened the scoring. Sabri Sarioglu passed the ball to Ayhan who chested it back to Sabri. Kazim hit the ball from Sabri's cross and Ugur finished it off, giving Turkey the first goal of the evening. Germany took just four minutes to equalize. In the 26th minute, Bastian Schweinsteiger hit a low cross and sent the ball home over Turkey goalkeeper Rustu Recber.
The Germany-Turkey match was getting tough for Germany, especially because of key Turkey players Kazim, Ayhan, Hamit and Ugur. Yet, like the Turkish players, Germany also showed enthusiasm and energy. The Turks played with confidence and Germany hit back with force. The score was 1-1 and the result of the match depended on who would strike first in the second half.
Second Half
After half time, the game resumed with much excitement in the atmosphere. A long cross from Lahm seemed to double the advantage for Germany. But it was Mioslav Klose who sent the ball into an unguarded net after goalkeeper Rustu Recber went out to reach for Lahm's cross. The Turks lost no time in grasping a goal. Sabri made a powerful cross that was met by Semih near the post who shot the ball into the goal. It was the 86th minute and the score stood at 2-2.
The match seemed to be going towards extra time, but Phillip Lahm gave Germany the lead in the 90th minute. Lahm, after a forty yard run and a one-two with Hitzlsperger, added to Germany's score and send the team in the Euro 2008 final.
Final Score Germany-Turkey match June 25
Germany 3-2 Turkey
Goals
5
