FCBARCELONA.CAT

25.06.2008 22:44

Germany is first Euro 2008 finalist (3-2)

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Germany is the first side through to the final of Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland. A goal by Lahm in the 90th minute put the Germans into Sunday’s final.

This Wednesday Germany beat Turkey to become the first finalist in Euro 2008. Their opponents will be decided by Thursday’s game between Russia and Spain.

Turkey unconcerned

The Turks came out onto the field seemingly unconcerned about the large numbers of players they had missing. For their part the Germans played significantly worse than they did against Portugal in the quarter finals.

Turks dominate first half

After both Altintop and Karim Karim had had good chances, Ugur Boral opened the scoring for Turkey in the 22nd minute when he fired home after a Karim Karim drive had come back off Lehmann’s crossbar. But the Germans came roaring back and in the 26th minute equalised through Schweinsteiger. It was still 1-1 at halftime.

Lahm scores the winner

The Germans dominated the second half and had the best chances, although both sides were cautious in attack. Klose made it 2-1 in the 78th minute but the Turks promptly equalised through Semih Senturk. Thoughts were already turning to extra time when Lahm popped up in the 90th minute to score the goal that took Germany into the final.