Germany edges into Euro 2008 final after defeating Turkey by 3-2

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BASEL, June 25 -- Three-time winner Germany elbowed its way into the Euro 2008 final after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Turkey at a semifinal here on Wednesday.

Defender Philipp Lahm's goal in the added time gifted Germany an arrow victory over under-strength Turkey, which had nine players benched because of bookings or injuries.

Germany's Miroslav Klose (R) celebrates scoring in front of German supporters in the Euro 2008 championships semi-final match between Germany and Turkey in Basel, Switzerland. Germany won 3-2 and advanced to the final.  (Photo credit: Xinhua)Turkey coach Fatih Terim had a depleted team at his hands as nine players were barred for Turkey's first-ever Euro semifinal because of card punishments or injuries.

The quartet of Volkan Demirel, Tuncay Sanli, Arda Turan and Emre Asli were suspended while striker Nihat Kahveci followed Emre Gungoer in departing the tournament injured after the quarterfinal shootout triumph over Croatia.

However, it was Turkey which emerged more offensive and dangerous during the first half, surprising thousands of German fans at the stadium.

Statistics showed that Turkey made 15 shots with nine within the goal while Germany only managed three shots.

In the 22nd minute, Turkey's efforts yielded fruits as unmarked Ugur Boral sent home a rebound off the crossbar.

Turkey had a good chance to score earlier. In the 13th minute, midfielders Kazim Clatters sent a powerful shot through Lehmman's fingers and hit the crossbar.

Germany, which was troubled with Turkey's quick attacks, revenged with a swift counterattack in the 26th minute.

Bayern striker Lukas Podolski penetrated the area and delivered a superb pass to Schweinsteiger, who scored with ease.

During the second half, both teams paid more attention to defense and they created less scoring opportunities.

The dull defense-to-defense show was interrupted in the 78th minute when Lahm abruptly charged into Turkey's area from the leftside and delivered a pass to Klose, who smashed the net with a header.

German fans's celebrations did not last long as never-say-quits Turkey leveled the score six minutes later.

Sabri Sarioglu cheated through Lahm's defense and passed to Semih Senturk, who tapped the ball into the net.

Lehmman's humiliation was washed off by playmaker Lahm in the added time, who ran 40 meters and shook off Thomas Hitzlsperger to calmly lift his shot over goalkeeper Recber Rustu.

"We are incredibly satisfied with the result," said Loew at the after-match press conference.

However, the 49-year-old said Germany failed to stage the level they performed against Portugal, noting there were some problems with the midfielders.

Looking ahead, Loew already set his sight on the title.

"In the final everything is possible. The team has proved that. Of course we want to win the final. We have the winning mentality," he said.

For Fatih Terim, losing to Germany is a "sad" outcome for Turkey.

"I am very sad. We were so close to the final," he said.