Germany steal last-gasp win to break Turkish hearts

(BEIJING, June 26) -- Defender Philipp Lahm's 90th minute shot gave Germany a 3-2 victory over Turkey to settle a thrilling first semifinal of the UEFA Euro 2008 football championships in Basle, Switzerland.

The 14-man Turkish squad, reduced by injury and suspensions, created more chances in the first half. Colin Kazim-Richards had already hit the woodwork when his 22nd minute effort again struck the bar and Ugur Boral reacted first to fire a shot from six yards though German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann's legs into the net.

However, Germany bounced straight back, equalizing four minutes later when midfielder Lukas Podolski dribbled down the left and sent over a low cross for Bastian Schweinsteiger to provide a neat finish to level the scores.

In a much tighter second half, Germany went in front in the 79th minute when striker Miroslav Klose rose above three Turkish defenders and goalkeeper Recber Rustu to head his team into a 2-1 lead.

However, Turkey fought back in the 86th minute. In a repeat of Germany's first goal, Semih Senturk smartly converted Sabri Sarioglu cross, which unlike Podolski's run, came from the right.

With the game seemingly bound for extra-time Lahm's last-minute goal broke Turkish hearts to settle the contest 3-2.

The Germans will play either Russia or Spain in the final in Vienna on Sunday, June 29.