Injury-hit Turkey depleted going into semi-final

Published on Saturday 21 June 2008 19:51

DECIMATED by injuries and suspensions, Turkey go into their semi-final match against favourites Germany on Wednesday with the same never-say-die attitude, hoping it will be enough to carry them to the final.

The Turks beat Croatia on penalties on Friday night after equalising a late extra-time Croatia goal with the last kick of the match. Semih Senturk, known among Fenerbahce fans as "The Lifeguard" for his late decisive strikes, scored in stoppage time in the second half of extra time to take the match to penalties where Turkey won 3-1.

But their victory comes at a high price and when they take the field against Germany, even more players will be missing than against Croatia.

Coach Fatih Terim had only 15 outfield players to choose from for their quarter-final. That could seem like a luxury.

After picking up their second yellow cards, midfielder Arda Turan, forward Tuncay Sanli and defender Emre Asik are suspended against Germany.

First choice keeper Volkan Demirel is also serving out a two-match suspension for a red card against the Czech Republic, with an appeal to have it shortened tomorrow.

Captain Emre Belozoglu is extremely doubtful, nursing a hamstring injury since their opening game, and injured central defender Servet Cetin said he would not be fit by Wednesday.

Defender Emre Gungor is out for the rest of the tournament with a calf problem while inspirational midfielder Tumer Metin's participation is also doubtful due to a groin injury.