Low hails German mentality as Turks run out of miracles

Published on Thursday 26 June 2008 10:38

GERMANY coach Joachim Low believed his side's mental strength shone through as they defied comeback kings Turkey to earn a spot in the Euro 2008 final with a 3-2 win in Basel.

Philipp Lahm rifled home a superb winner in the 90th minute to finally put away the Turks, who threatened to take the match into extra time when Semih Senturk made it 2-2 with four minutes left.

Turkey had netted last-minute goals in their previous three games, but Low was delighted to see the boot on the other foot this time round.

"We were able to show our mentality as it was very difficult to take in their late equaliser," he said.

"We knew Turkey would be dangerous in the closing minutes, they have shown that before this tournament but my team were able to come back.

"In the closing minutes, we were trembling and Turkey never gave up. But we were lucky enough to score in 90th minute and we were confident they would not come back from that."

The Germans, who will play either Spain or Russia in Sunday's final in Vienna, were slow out of the traps against a makeshift Turkey team deprived of eight players because of injury and suspension.

Ugur Boral put the Turks in front in the 22nd minute, only for Bastian Schweinsteiger to equalise against the run of play five minutes later.

Germany improved after the break and went in front when Miroslav Klose beat Recber Rustu to Lahm's cross and headed home into an unguarded net.

Senturk thought he had sent the game into extra time but Lahm had the last laugh, much to the delight of Low.

"We are incredibly satisfied to have won, it is an incredible feeling," he added.

"The players were thrilled after a match which was tiring and the joy is immense.

"There was a lot of drama involved, late goals, everything you could ask for in a match. And after their second goal, we had the morale to attack again and clinch the win.

"In some patches we struggled to get to grips with them but we were efficient. We did not create as many chances as we did against Portugal (in the 3-2 quarter-final win) but we still scored three times."

Lahm, named man of the match more because of his goal than his overall performance, added: "It was always going to be a fight.

"We didn't perform as well as we wanted but we are through.

"There are always ups and downs in games, but this was extreme here because of the late goals. But we are happy to reach the final."

Turkey coach Fatih Terim announced he would probably be leaving the national team to take over at a European club.

But, if this was to be his last match in charge, his players did him proud and deserved to take the game into extra time.

"I think we showed the world what a good team we are," he said.

"I am very proud of them, we are leaving as the most colourful team of the tournament. We were almost there, but that is football.

"There was not enough time at the end of match to get back, but I thought we played better than Germany.

"It is not easy to play against them and it's even more difficult when you only have 13 or 14 players. But I'm happy everyone has been able to see out there how good we are."

Terim believes his team have the ability to become regular contenders in future European Championships and World Cups. The 54-year-old has established himself as one of Europe's best coaches, particularly when it comes to motivation, man-management and tactics.

And he leaves behind a side he feels can go on to achieve great things in major tournaments over the next few years.

"I believe we can build on this," he said.

"Football is important in Turkey, 70 million hearts were beating with my players here.

"I believe a country like Turkey must be in tournaments like these. It is important to participate whether we come first or last, it is just important to be here.

"But I believe that in the future, Turkey will be present in World Cups and European Championships.

"Once you start playing regularly at these tournaments, it's good for the team. If you go away and don't play in four years' time, all this won't be worthwhile." On his immediate future, Terim, who will now return to club football, said: "I declared earlier that I would not work in Turkey and I keep my promises, so I will most probably go to another European country.

"But I can't make any specific declarations before talking to my federation.

"So let's leave it for a few days and I'll have some internal discussions, but I will probably come back towards Europe."

Turkey have certainly made an impression on this tournament, scoring late winners against Switzerland and the Czech Republic to squeeze through the group stages, and then equalising in the dying moments of their quarter-final against Croatia before prevailing on penalties.

Setting out with a makeshift team against Germany because of a raft of injuries and suspensions that deprived Terim of eight players, Turkey deserved more than they got in their semi-final.

Turkey midfielder Kazim Kazim said the players' dressing-room conversation was now all about looking forward to the World Cup qualifiers beginning in September.

"The belief in this team is unbelievable," Kazim said. "We can take this experience into the World Cup qualifiers."