Spain ecstatic at Euro 2008 win

[abadani69]

Almost from the outset, it was Germany, not Portugal, that showed flair. It was the Germans, a group runner-up, who dominated the Portuguese, a group winner.

Bastian Schweinsteiger, coming off a suspension, scored one goal and set up two more Thursday night, leading Germany over Portugal 3-2 and into the European Championship semifinals.

It was the first time Germany moved into the final four since it won Euros in 1996, and the first time Portugal failed to make the semifinals in the last three major international tournaments.

Michael Ballack and Miroslav Klose also scored for Germany off free kicks by Schweinsteiger. Nuno Gomes and Helder Postiga had goals for Portugal.

“Up to now, we lacked a bit of creativity. That is why we changed today and that was the key,” Ballack said. “Now, you saw what this team has when it can play freely.”

In the battle between Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Chelsea’s Ballack, the German came out on top. He delivered the deciding blow when heading in the third goal in the 61st minute, shoving away Paulo Ferreira and heading past an out-of-position goalkeeper Ricardo.

“I did my best,” Ronaldo said, although it was hardly the form he showed in the Premier League and Champions League.

The Germans started the upset with a move in the best Portuguese tradition. Podolski set up a couple of short passing combinations and then sped down left wing like Ronaldo would do. In the center, Schweinsteiger beat Ferreira, and given the perfect low cross, right-footed it past Ricardo from close range.

“There is always something left. Everything is possible in football,” Schweinsteiger said. “We can battle.”

The Portuguese were surprised at such light-footed creativity from the Germans and before they knew it, they were down 2-0.

Schweinsteiger swung in a free kick from near midfield. Ronaldo remained flat-footed while Klose sped by him and powerfully knocked the ball past Ricardo in the 26th.

The strong performance from Schweinsteiger was a perfect comeback for the midfielder after he was sent off for shoving an opponent in Germany’s 2-1 loss to Croatia that relegated the Germans to runner-up in Group B.

No matter—they still handled Portugal, which won Group A, and next will play the winner of Friday’s quarterfinal match between Turkey and Croatia.

Germany won even though coach Joachim Loew was banned from the game by UEFA after getting ejected during the final group game, a 1-0 win over Austria. His assistant, Hansi Flick, worked the game in his place.

“We played for the coach,” Schweinsteiger said.

[Rasputin]

Croatia 1-1 Turkey (1-3 pens)

Turkey will meet Germany in the Euro 2008 semi-final after beating Croatia 3-1 on penalties after a dramatic extra-time finale in Vienna.

Ivan Klasnic headed Croatia in front with seconds left - only for Turkey's Semih Senturk to volley the equaliser with the last kick of the game.

Arda Turan, Semih and Hamit Altintop scored in the shoot-out for Turkey.

Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic missed for Croatia and Turkey keeper Rustu saved the deciding kick from Mladen Petric.

It might just happen, Germany will underestimate Turkey and might just pay the price for it

It was astonishing finish to a dreadful game, especially for Turkey keeper Rustu, who made an awful error that looked to have given Crotia victory before his free-kick set up Semih for the leveller as referee Roberto Rosetti prepared to blow the final whistle.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic, who had celebrated what he thought was a famous victory with his players only seconds earlier, could not lift his deflated players and they looked a beaten side even before the penalty shoot-out.

Turkey, in contrast grasped the lifeline and Euro 2008's great survivors and late show specialists were through again, having led matches for only nine minutes in the entire tournament.

They face a huge task against Germany, however, after losing Arda, Tuncay Sanli and Emre Asik to suspensions after they were given yellow cards - and with keeper Volkan Demirel already out in similar circumstance.

But Fatih Terim's side must believe destiny is on their side after another remarkable escape act to follow their last-minute win against the Czech Republic that put them in the last eight.

Turkey recalled 35-year-old veteran Rustu in goal in place of the banned Volkan - and it was more a case of rusty in the first 45 minutes as he produced an uncertain display that spread uncertainty through his defence.

They had a remarkable escape in the 18th minute when Spurs' new midfield man Modric carved out a simple chance for Ivica Olic, only for the striker to somehow rattle the bar from six yards out.

Niko Kranjcar headed the rebound over the top with the entire Croatian bench, led by coach Bilic, already starting to celebrate.

Turkey, hit by injuries and suspension, were struggling to achieve any cohesion, but Mehmet Topal almost stunned Croatia keeper Stipe Pletikosa with a rising 35-yard shot that flew inches wide.

Olic was involved again as Croatia threatened to turn their superiority into a lead five minutes after the interval, when he headed the ball over the on-rushing Rustu - and was then presented with a second chance by Emre Asik but was able to find the target.

Turkey were providing stubborn resistance, but Croatia were also guilty of wasting chances when they presented themselves.

Olic turned creator to tee up Rakitic with 20 minutes left, but he rushed his finish and shot wildly over the top.

Rustu conjured up some of his old magic after 83 minutes as he dived high to his left to turn away a Darijo Srna free-kick that was destined for the top corner.

Modric was easily the game's most creative performer and with just a minute to go in normal time he set up Olic, but Rustu was perfectly placed to block.

Olic had endured a wayward night in front of goal, and he was off target again with the final kick before the game went into extra time.

Turkey actually looked the fresher side in the additional period and Semih flashed an angled shot just over with Pletikosa beaten.

Tuncay was even closer after 111 minutes with a 20-yard shot that was only inches away.

A terrible misjudgement by Rustu appeared to give Croatia victory in the dying seconds of extra time when he inexplicably raced out of his goal to try and tackle Modric - and he was stranded out of his goal as Klasnic headed in his cross.

Croatia's celebrations were wild, with coach Bilic heavily involved, and yet this tournament has told us never to write off Turkey.

And they equalised with literally the final kick of the game when Semih struck a superb finish as Croatia failed to clear a desperate punt into the area by Rustu.

Croatia looked devastated as the penalty shoot-out started, and they got off to the worst possible start when Modric placed his kick wide.

Arda, Semih and Hamit scored convincingly for Turket, but only Srna scored for Croatia with Rakitic missing and Rustu - the most relieved man in the stadium after his late mistake - saving from Petric.

Croatia: Pletikosa, Corluka, Robert Kovac, Simunic, Pranjic, Srna, Modric, Nico Kovac, Rakitic, Kranjcar (Petric 64), Olic (Klasnic 97).
Subs Not Used: Galinovic, Simic, Vejic, Vukojevic, Kalinic, Pokrivac, Knezevic, Leko, Runje.

Goals: Klasnic 119.

Turkey: Rustu, Altintop, Zan, Asik, Balta, Topal (Senturk 76), Sarioglu, Sanli, Turan, Kazim-Richards (Boral 61), Nihat (Karadeniz 117).
Subs Not Used: Zengin, Cetin, Emre, Metin, Gungor, Akman, Erdinc.

Booked: Sanli, Turan, Boral, Asik.

Goals: Senturk 120.

Turkey win 3-1 on penalties

Att: 50,000

Ref: Roberto Rosetti (Italy).


BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Croatia's Luka Modric 7.77 (on 90 minutes).

[Rasputin]

ترکیه 1- 1 کرواسی (در ضربات پنالتی 3 - 1)

در دومین بازی از مرحله یک چهارم نهایی جام ملت های اروپا، ترکیه کرواسی را پس از وقت اضافه سه بر یک در ضربات پنالتی شکست داده است.

ترکیه در مرحله بعد با آلمان روبرو خواهد شد که روز پنجشنبه در نخستین بازی یک چهارم نهایی در شهر بازل 3 بر 2 پرتغال را شکست داده بود.

وقت اضافه در شرایطی کاملا تماشایی که شاهد دو گل در دقیقه پایانی بازی بود خاتمه یافت.

در دقیقه 119 لوکا مودریچ توپ را روبروی دروازه پاس داد تا ایوان کلاسنیک آن را از فاصله نزدیک گل کند.

اما برخلاف تصور بسیاری از بینندگان این پایان کار نبود. در دقیقه 120 صمد سنترک آخرین شوت بازی را از پشت محوطه جریمه به طاق دروازه کرواسی نشاند تا کار به ضربات پنالتی کشیده شود.


بازی تا دقیقه 119 بدون گل مساوی بود

کرواسی ضربات پنالتی را خراب کرد و لوکا مولدریچ و ایوان راکیتیچ هر دو خارج از چارچوب زدند و پنالتی ملادن پتریچ را نیز دروازه بان ترکیه مهار کرد.

آردا توران، صمد سنترک و حمید آلتیتاپ جملگی ضربات پنالتی خود را گل کردند.

کرواسی از بخت بد بازی را باخت چرا که در مجموع فرصت های بهتر و خطرناک تری روی دروازه حریف آفریده بود.

البته ترکیه نیز به دلیل جراحت برخی از بازیکنانش و تعلیق وولکان دمیرل دروازه بان و محمد اوریلو مدافع تیم در وضعیتی ضعیف تر از قبل بود.

یکی از بهترین بخت های کرواسی در دقیقه 19 بود که ضربه اولیچ به تیرک افقی برخورد کرد و برگشت خورد و ضربه سر دیگر مهاجم کرواسی نیز اوت رفت.

[Rasputin]

Netherlands 1-3 Russia

Russia's Andrei Arshavin was the architect as they dumped Netherlands out of Euro 2008 after extra time.

Russia took the lead in normal time when Roman Pavlyuchenko volleyed home, only for Ruud van Nistelrooy to head in an 86th-minute leveller for the Dutch.

But the brilliant Arshavin tormented Netherlands throughout and he crossed for Dmitri Torbinski to prod home.

Arshavin then sealed a semi-final spot in the 116th minute as he ran through and fired low past Edwin van der Sar.

Russia almost had to play with 10 men in extra time after Denis Kolodin was sent off by Lubos Michel in stoppage time, only for the referee to reverse his decision after a chat with one of his assistants.

It was the first European Championship quarter-final that did not have to be decided by penalties after going into extra time and was just reward for another spellbinding performance from the young Russians and their destroyer-in-chief Arshavin.

He ghosts past defences like he's made of air. He's fast, skilful and sooooo good

The 27-year-old, who missed Russia's first two Euro 2008 games through suspension, was in electric form and as Netherlands tired in the extra period, they could not get near him.

It was a triumph too for Russia's Dutch coach Guus Hiddink and his side will now meet either Spain or Italy in Vienna on Thursday in the semi-finals.

From the start Russia settled better than their more-fancied opponents as the Dutch struggled to match the fluidity of their earlier Euro 2008 performances.

Hiddink's men found joy down the flanks, exposing full-backs Gio van Bronckhorst and Khalid Boulahrouz, with one fine cross headed over from eight yards by Pavlyuchenko.

After Van Nistelrooy somehow missed the ball completely three yards out from a free-kick, Russia really began to assert their authority.

The untouchable Arshavin danced past Andre Ooijer inside the Dutch box and curled a right-foot shot goalwards that Van der Sar had to tip away for a corner.

Twice in two minutes, Denis Kolodin hit right-foot piledrivers from 35 yards, the first forcing Van der Sar to tip over and the second flying inches over the bar.

Dutch coach Marco van Basten withdrew the ineffective Dirk Kuyt at the break for Robin van Persie to bolster their attacking threat and almost immediately he screwed a volley wide, before Russia took the lead.

Arshavin cleverly played in Sergei Semak down the left and his cross was expertly dispatched into the net by Pavlyuchenko.

It was the first time the Netherlands had been behind at Euro 2008 and as they began to pour forward in greater numbers, the Russians - matching the counter-attacking brilliance of their opponents from earlier in the tournament - began to pick them off.

A glorious move led to right-back Alexander Anyukov forcing Van der Sar to parry his shot and then Arshavin scampered away down the left and sent in a devilish cross that just evaded Ivan Saenko.

The Netherlands were pressing but were frustrated by a lack of quality, until with four minutes left they somehow hauled themselves level, Van Nistelrooy netting a poacher's classic by heading in Wesley Sneijder's free-kick.

As the clock ticked into injury time, Russia defender Kolodin was given an almighty repreive by referee Michel.

Booked for the second time and then sent off for a foul on Sneijder, one of Michel's assistants told him - perhaps wrongly - the Real Madrid midfielder had not kept the ball in play, so Kolodin was allowed to stay on the pitch.


Ruud van Nistelrooy (right) heads in Netherlands' late equaliser
If Russia were distraught at Van Nistelrooy's late intervention they did not show it as they proceeded to dictate play in extra time.

Pavlyuchenko cannoned a shot against the crossbar and Arshavin weaved his magic way around two more tackles only for substitute Torbinski to shoot at Van der Sar.

They were denied a clear penalty when Yuri Zhirkov was fouled in the box by Johnny Heitinga but soon after Arshavin danced down the left, flighted a tantalising cross over Van der Sar and watched as Torbinski poked in.

Arshavin got the goal his sumptuous display deserved when he wrapped it up four minutes from time, latching on to a throw-in and firing past Van der Sar.

Holland: Van der Sar, Boulahrouz (Heitinga 54), Ooijer, Mathijsen, Van Bronckhorst, De Jong, Engelaar (Afellay 61), Kuyt (Van Persie 46), Van der Vaart, Sneijder, van Nistelrooy.
Subs Not Used: Timmer, Stekelenburg, De Zeeuw, Robben, Melchiot, Bouma, De Cler, Huntelaar, Vennegoor of Hesselink.

Booked: Boulahrouz, Van Persie, Van der Vaart.

Goals: Van Nistelrooy 86.

Russia: Akinfeev, Aniukov, Ignashevich, Kolodin, Zhirkov, Semak, Zyryanov, Semshov (Bilyaletdinov 69), Saenko (Torbinsky 81), Arshavin, Pavluchenko (Sychev 115).
Subs Not Used: Gabulov, Malafeev, Vasili Berezutsky, Yanbaev, Alexei Berezutsky, Adamov, Ivanov, Shirokov, Bystrov.

Booked: Kolodin, Zhirkov, Torbinsky.

Goals: Pavluchenko 56, Torbinsky 112, Arshavin 116.

Att: 42,500.

Ref: Lubos Michel (Slovakia).

[Rasputin]

Spain 0-0 Italy (4-2 pens)

Spain beat Italy 4-2 on penalties to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2008 after a dour goalless draw in Vienna.

Marcos Senna came closest in normal time when Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon fumbled his shot on to a post.

Spain keeper Iker Casillas was the hero in the shoot-out, saving from Daniele de Rossi and Antonio di Natale.

Daniel Guiza saw his spot-kick saved by Buffon, but Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas slid home the crucial penalty to set up a last four clash with Russia.

The game never touched the heights and penalties was an almost inevitable outcome given the approach of both sides.

There will now be an intriguing backdrop to the semi-final in Vienna on Thursday, with Spain having beaten Russia - admittedly minus the inspirational Andrei Arshavin - 4-1 in a group game earlier in the competition.

And it was a change of fortune for the Spanish, who have gone out of three major championships on 22 June, the World Cups of 1986 and 2002 and Euro '96 - all in the quarter-finals on penalties.

The opening 45 minutes was a cautious affair, with chances - and quality - at a premium. David Villa, predictably, was the first player to pose a serious threat with a low drive drive from long range that was comfortably held by Italy keeper Buffon.

Fernando Torres had been kept quiet by some trademark Italian defending, but he escaped the shackles after 31 minutes to help set up a chance for David Silva, who curled a shot only inches wide from 25 yards.

Spain tried to break the stalemate by making a double substitution on the hour, sending on Fabregas and Santi Cazorla for Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

But it was an Italian substitute, Mauro Camoranesi, who almost made the breakthrough seconds later when he ended a chaotic goalmouth scramble with a shot that was blocked by the legs of Spanish keeper Casillas.

It had been a frustrating evening for the much-vaunted Spanish strike force of Torres and Villa - and the latter was booked for diving by referee Herbert Fandel after 71 minutes when he tumbled under challenge from Giorgio Chiellini.

Italy keeper Buffon suffered an anxious moment with 11 minutes left when he was forced to punch away a long-range free-kick from Senna.

He had an even bigger scare seconds later when he fumbled a routine shot from Senna, and was relieved to see the ball bounce back into his arms off an upright.

Torres had been disappointing, but it was still a surprise to see him hauled off again by Spain coach Luis Aragones with six minutes left and replaced by Guiza.

Spain had the first chance of extra time, with Silva sweeping an effort just wide with Buffon beaten.

Italy's response saw swift as Casillas turned over a header from Di Natale and Luca Toni headed just over the top.

The stalemate was soon resumed, although Cazorla shot across the face of goal with seconds left as the last chance of avoiding penalties was wasted.

Villa and Fabio Grosso exchanged successful penalties and Cazorla scored for Spain before Casillas saved brilliantly from De Rossi.

Senna and Camoranesi scored, but when Buffon saved from Guiza Italy were back in contention - only for Casillas to repeat his heroics to stop Di Natali's spot-kick.

Fabregas, on as substitute, was left to settle the affair and calmly beat Buffon to spark wild Spanish celebrations.

Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Marchena, Puyol, Capdevila, Iniesta (Santi Cazorla 59), Senna, Xavi (Fabregas 59), Silva, Villa, Torres (Guiza 85).
Subs Not Used: Palop, Albiol, Fernando Navarro, Alonso, Sergio Garcia, Arbeloa, Juanito, De la Red, Reina.

Booked: Iniesta, Villa, Santi Cazorla.

Italy: Buffon, Zambrotta, Panucci, Chiellini, Grosso, Aquilani (Del Piero 108 ), De Rossi, Ambrosini, Perrotta (Camoranesi 58 ), Toni, Cassano (Di Natale 75).
Subs Not Used: Amelia, Gamberini, Borriello, Quagliarella, Materazzi, De Sanctis.

Booked: Ambrosini.

Att: 48,000

Ref: Herbert Fandel (Germany).

BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Spain's Cesc Fabregas 7.86 (on 90 minutes).

[abadani69]

داورهاي ديدارهاي مرحله نيمه نهايي و فينال يورو 2008 اعلام شدند.
بر همين اساس قضاوت مسابقه چهارشنبه شب آلمان و ترکيه در مرحله نيمه نهايي را "ماسيمو بوساکا" از سوييس قضاوت خواهد کرد.
کمک داورهاي وي نيز "ماتياس آرنت" و "استفان کوهات" از سوييس هستند.
داور چهارم اين مسابقه "پيتر فرودفلدت" از سوئد خواهد بود.
قضاوت ديگر مسابقه نيمه نهايي بين تيم هاي روسيه و اسپانيا که پنجشنبه برگزار مي شود را "فرانک دي بليکره" از بلژيک بر عهده دارد.
"پيتر هرمانس" و "الکس ورسترائتن" دو هموطن وي نيز به عنوان کمک داور در مسابقه حضور خواهند داشت.
داور چهارم اين مسابقه "کايروس واساراس" از يونان است.
مسابقه فينال را که يکشنبه آينده برگزار خواهد شد، "روبرتو روستي" از ايتاليا قضاوت مي کند.
کمک داورهاي وي در اين مسابقه "الساندرو گريسلي" و "پائولو کالکاگنو" از ايتاليا هستند.
"پيتر فرودفلدت" از سوئد نيز به عنوان داور چهارم انتخاب شده است.

[abadani69]

Spain playmaker Xavi Hernandez believes his team can repeat its group stage win over Russia by dominating possession in the European Championship semifinals.

Since losing 4-1 to Spain in its Group D opener, Russia has “picked up terrible confidence” from wins over Greece, Sweden and the Netherlands, Xavi said Tuesday.

“They have beaten very difficult opponents,” the FC Barcelona midfielder said. “This match will be different, but we’re not changing our philosophy to dominate the ball for 90 minutes and play offensively.”

David Villa scored three goals and Cesc Fabregas added another as Spain routed the Russians two weeks ago. Neither team has lost since, while Spain is the only undefeated team in the semifinals.

“They have grown because the first match was a blow for them. Losing 4-1, perhaps they didn’t expect it. But then they have been the better team in the following three matches,” Xavi said.

Spain has also picked up confidence after beating world champion Italy 4-2 in a penalty shootout on Sunday, winning a quarterfinal match for the first time since 1984. Spain’s only major trophy is the 1964 European Championship.

“We have taken a big step in our history. We’re in the semifinals and we have a big opportunity ahead of us and we want to take it,” Xavi said. “We know it’s going to be a complicated match, but we don’t want to go home without making history.”

Defender Alvaro Arbeloa said Spain was studying Russia’s strengths and weaknesses ahead of Thursday’s match in Vienna.

“We saw in the first match that they are pretty dangerous on the left flank,” Arbeloa said. “We’re always studying the rival, but we’re mostly preoccupied with our own team. We’re going to have to play very well to beat them because physically, they are above the others.”

Russia owes part of its success to attacking midfielder Andrei Arshavin, who was suspended for the first two Euro 2008 matches, but has returned with two goals.

“There’s a lot of talk about Arshavin, but I think Russia is a bloc,” Xavi said. “They have players that are not that well known in Europe that are doing well, like Yuri Zhirkov on the left midfield and (striker Roman) Pavlyuchenko.”

ROMANIAN’S SURGERY: Romania captain Cristian Chivu has undergone shoulder surgery for an injury that affected him at the European Championship.

The operation took place in the Italian town of Pavia south of Milan on Monday and lasted two hours, Romanian daily Gazeta Sporturilor reported Tuesday. Chivu will need three months to full recuperate, the newspaper said.

Chivu initially hurt his left shoulder in September during a friendly against Germany when he twisted it and was replaced in the first half. The Inter Milan defender wanted to have the operation earlier, but his Serie A club didn’t want him out of action.

During Euro 2008, Chivu was often irritated over repeated questions about his shoulder, saying: “I sleep with it in ice.”

Romania came in third in Group C at Euro 2008, drawing with France and Italy, and losing 2-0 to the Netherlands.

The 27-year-old Chivu will still be in a cast when he gets married July 6.

BALLACK’S ASSESSMENT: Michael Ballack is two wins away from capturing his first major title.

The 31-year-old Germany captain is at the summit of a distinguished career and the European Championship would be a fitting crown.

“I am very calm. All of us see a great chance to be in the final and win the title,” Ballack said Tuesday. “It’s up to us.”

First, however, Germany has to get by Turkey in Wednesday’s semifinal in Basel. Ballack expects a “very strong” rival despite the injuries and suspensions that have ravaged the Turkish team.

“They know how to adjust to opponents and that shows they are very strong mentally,” Ballack said Tuesday at Germany’s training base before the team’s departure for Basel. “Their coach knows how to motivate them and they will be a very uncomfortable opponent. Hats off to them for reaching the semifinal, but we shouldn’t overestimate them, either.”

Germany beat Portugal 3-2 in the quarterfinals and Turkey equalized against Croatia with the last kick of extra time of their quarterfinal. Despite falling behind in the 119th minute, Turkey still went on to win the shootout.

Ballack said Turkey was a different team from Portugal.

“I expect them to be more defensive, I think we will have more possession. We won’t underestimate them for sure, we respect everyone and we expect a difficult job,” Ballack said. “Turkey beat Croatia and we lost to it.

“There is no favorite.”

In the group stage, Ballack had solid, if average games. But he scored the free-kick goal in a 1-0 win over Austria that sent Germany into the quarterfinals, then got the decisive third goal against Portugal for one of his best performances for Germany in recent years. He has 38 goals in 85 games for the national team.

Ballack scored several vital goals in Germany’s run to the 2002 World Cup final, but missed the championship game because of a suspension and Germany lost 2-0 to Brazil.

Two years ago at home, Germany reached the semifinal, but lost 2-0 to eventual champion Italy in Dortmund, conceding the decisive goal late in extra time.

“The memory of Dortmund shows us that we have to give our best until the end, and especially against the Turks we have to be committed until the final whistle,” Ballack said.

“Of course we are motivated by that exit against Italy. Now we want to take that final step. We need two very good performances to lift the trophy.”

[abadani69]

The armies of the Ottoman Empire could not conquer Vienna. Eleven soccer players from Turkey can.

That’s the way many Turks feel, a heady, near-mystical sense that Turkey’s underdog run to the European Championship semifinals involves more than goal scoring. To these fans, it’s about pride and patriotism; ethnic identity and insecurity; centuries of conflict and coexistence; and the prickly, modern-day relationship between Turks and the West.

“There is an unwritten condition here in this country, the desire to show to the world what the Turks can do as a soft power,” said Huseyin Bagci, a Turkish academic. “The Turks are bringing a new flair to Europe. It’s like putting something spicy into food.”

But it’s not just us versus them. The team has showcased Turkish skill, tenacity, and—even the most fanatic of fans grudgingly admit—mind-bending luck in comeback wins against the Swiss, Czechs and Croats.

Turkey’s opponent in Basel, Switzerland, on Wednesday is Germany, home to nearly 3 million Turks, some of whom moved there as “gastarbeiter,” or guest workers, for low-paying jobs in the 1960s. Two of Turkey’s top players, Hamit Altintop and Hakan Balta, grew up in Germany, came through Germany’s soccer system and play for Bundesliga teams.

So Turks and Germans are intertwined, despite questions about assimilation and racially tinged tension that occasionally boils into violence. The bond is evident—among Turks, at least—at places such as Manolya, a Turkish restaurant in Frankfurt that is decorated with Turkish and German flags.

“Great! The best thing that could happen to us,” waiter Celalettin Dagan, who came to Germany when he was 7 years old, said of the semifinal matchup between his two favorite teams. “If Germany advances, then we will be behind them.”

Turkey and the European Union are also partners, or would-be ones. The mostly Muslim country with a secular system wants to join the European Club, but the process is drifting badly, afflicted by European uneasiness and Turkish aggravation with terms it says are unfair.

It’s extra sweet, then, for Turks who are dealing defeat to European opponents, albeit on the soccer field rather than the battlefield. Ottoman rule dissolved nearly a century ago, but the demise of imperial glory is often blamed on the meddling of Western colonial powers.

“Joyful Turks conquered Vienna!” the Turkish daily Hurriyet said after Turkey’s win over Croatia in a penalty-kicks shootout in the Austrian capital. The headline recalled Ottoman campaigns in Europe, repelled at the strategic city of Vienna in 1529 and 1683. By the time of the latter siege, Ottoman military prowess and economic vigor were in decline, and Europe was in the ascent.

More than a dozen people were injured in fights between fans after the game against Croatia on Friday night. Triumphant Turks started many of the rumbles.

Turkey has known soccer success, finishing third in the World Cup held in South Korea and Japan in 2002. There, its opponents included Brazil, Senegal and Asian nations, but victory in Europe, the cradle of global soccer, is “more important,” said Gursoy Delioglu, a chemistry teacher in Istanbul.

Delioglu will watch the Germany showdown on a boat in the Bosporus Strait, which flows between the European and Asian sides of the former Ottoman capital. Most fans will be land-bound; if Turkey wins, cities will reverberate with whoops, car horns, fireworks and even celebratory gunfire.

In Parliament on Tuesday, Turkey Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the national team had inspired “all people around the world who have to succeed despite difficult conditions, shortcomings and disadvantages.”

Prospects for Turkey against the experienced, relentless Germans look grim, with key players out because of injuries and suspensions. But Turks place hopes in coach Fatih Terim, known as the “Emperor” because he expects total obedience, directing players like a military commander.

Terim embodies the intense nationalism in Turkey, where some feel their sovereignty is under threat from Kurdish rebels, Christian and other minorities, Western powers, and accusations that Turks committed genocide against Armenia in the early 20th century.

Turkey’s Nobel prize winner, writer Orhan Pamuk, once said Terim was an “ultranationalist.” Terim responded that Pamuk, who was prosecuted for allegedly insulting Turkish identity, was a “deficient nationalist.”

The spectacle of euphoric crowds waving the red and white national flag makes liberal Turks nervous about possible intolerance among people who find an outlet in soccer, while none exists in the grind of daily life.

“People just think that they are better than the rest of the world,” said Burak Demircioglu, a free-lance translator in the Mediterranean city of Izmir. “This is success for them. It’s all about winning.”

Hasmet Babaoglu, commentator for Vatan newspaper, noted that Palestinians in Gaza and Muslims in places like Sarajevo have supported Turkey. The Turkish team, he said, “has become the voice of the Muslims who are being forced to throw in the towel, but who are resisting.”

Bagci, the academic, said Turkey’s success was a rare source of unity in a country where a deep rift is emerging between pious Muslims who back a government with a strong electoral mandate, and the military-backed elite that believes secular ideals are in peril. Similarly, ethnic Turks and Kurds, who have long faced discrimination in Turkey, rally around the team.

“Nobody can explain by rationality how Turkey is scoring. We have been wondering too,” said Bagci, professor of international relations at Ankara’s Middle East Technical University.

Turkey’s soccer glory seems to validate the idea, often a hindrance for Turkish athletes, that unruly emotion and self-belief are a better bet than cold-blooded logic and experience. Ask Turks who will win on Wednesday, and they tend not to assess player skills or tactical advantages. “It’s 50/50,” they say.

“Showing the power of the Turk to the entire world,” goes an old Turkish saying. On Wednesday, if defeat looms in the final minutes, some Turks might murmur another expression: “The Turk comes to his senses late.”

Associated Press Writer Antje Homburger in Frankfurt, Germany contributed to this report.

[Rasputin]

Germany 3-2 Turkey

Philipp Lahm's last-minute winner sent Germany into the Euro 2008 final and sank a desperately unlucky Turkey.

Lahm stole in on Thomas Hitzlsperger's pass to beat Rustu Recber and give the Germans victory after a thriller in which Turkey were the better side.

Ugur Boral scrambled Turkey ahead after 22 minutes, but Bastian Schweinsteiger equalised quickly from close range.

Miroslav Klose headed Germany in front after 79 minutes, but Semih Senturk levelled before Lahm's late strike.

Germany barely deserved the victory, but once again they have reached a major final despite being unconvincing, where they will face either Russia or Spain in Vienna on Sunday.

Ravaged by injuries and suspension, Turkey defied all expectations to produce an outstanding performance full of grit, desire and no little quality and they should have been well in front by half-time.

Former Sheffield United forward Colin Kazim-Richards held his head in anguish in the 12th minute when he rattled the bar with a powerful shot that left German keeper Jens Lehmann well beaten.

He was denied by the woodwork again with a looping finish 10 minutes later - but this time Ugur was lurking to scramble in the rebound through the legs of the despairing Lehmann.

Stunned by the speed of Turkey's opening, Germany responded to equalise after 27 minutes.

Lukas Podolski was the creator with a run and cross from the left flank, but it needed a sweet finish with the outside of Schweinsteiger's right foot to beat Rustu.

Lehmann was having a nightmare and he had to scramble back hurriedly after misjudging Hamit Altintop's free-kick to turn the ball over the bar.

It was a superb spectacle, and Podolski escaped the attentions of the Turkish defence only to shoot over the top with Klose waiting unmarked in front of goal.

Lehmann was then forced to punch Ugur's powerful free-kick away after 39 minutes as Turkey continued to show the greater ambition.

Germany coach Joachim Low made a change at the interval, replacing Simon Rolfes, who had suffered a head wound in a clash with Ayhan Akman, with Torsten Frings.

The Germans were furious after 50 minutes when Lahm was clearly felled by Sabri Sarioglu, only to see Swiss referee Massimo Busacca ignore their appeals.

But Turkey, under the inspirational leadership of coach Fatih Terim, were continuing to set the pace and Ugur tested Lehmann once more with a shot at the end of a fine run.

Hitzlsperger showed the shooting power that marked his time at Aston Villa with 18 minutes left, shooting just wide from 30 yards with Rustu beaten.

But it was a calamitous error by the veteran Rustu that gifted Germany the lead with 11 minutes left, when he came for Lahm's cross but got nowhere near it, leaving Klose to head Germany in front.

If this tournament has told us one thing, it is that Turkey's refusal to accept defeat means they are at their most dangerous when behind and so it proved again as they drew level again with four minutes left.

Sabri rounded Lahm superbly on the flank, and the poacher Semih stole in to beat Lehmann at the near post.

Turkey looked to have taken the game into extra time, which was the very least they deserved, but their campaign ended in heartbreak in the closing moments.

Lahm raided forward and exchanged passes with Hitzlsperger before firing high past Rustu.

Germany celebrated the victory, but so much credit must go to Turkey for a magnificent effort that deserved so much more.

Germany: Lehmann, Friedrich, Mertesacker, Metzelder, Lahm, Hitzlsperger, Rolfes (Frings 46), Schweinsteiger, Ballack, Podolski, Klose (Jansen 90).
Subs Not Used: Enke, Adler, Fritz, Westermann, Gomez, Neuville, Trochowski, Borowski, Odonkor, Kuranyi.

Goals: Schweinsteiger 27, Klose 79, Lahm 90.

Turkey: Rustu, Sarioglu, Topal, Zan, Balta, Aurelio, Kazim-Richards (Metin 90), Altintop, Akman (Erdinc 81), Boral (Karadeniz 84), Senturk.
Subs Not Used: Zengin, Cetin, Emre, Gungor, Nihat.

Booked: Senturk.

Goals: Boral 22, Senturk 86.

Att: 40,000

Ref: Massimo Busacca (Switzerland).

BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Turkey's Colin Kazim-Richards 7.71 (on 90 minutes).

Please note that you can still give the players marks out of 10 on BBC Sport's Player Rater after the match has finished.

Germany have now qualified for the European Championship final for a record sixth time and the first time in 12 years.

Philipp Lahm became the eighth player to score the winning goal in the 90th minute or injury time in European Championship history and the third player to do so at Euro 2008.

Germany's Lukas Podolski is currently the Most Valuable Player at Euro 2008 with three goals and two assists.

By scoring three goals at Euro 2008, Semih Senturk became sole top scorer for Turkey in European Championship history.

Ayhan Akman became the 22nd Turkish player to be fielded by head coach Fatih Terim at Euro 2008.

Third goalkeeper Tolga Zengin is the only Turkish player that has not seen any action at Euro 2008.

Turkey are now one of four teams to have used 22 players at Euro 2008, joining Croatia, The Netherlands and Spain.

Turkey collected a total of 17 cards at Euro 2008. Only two nations have collected more cards in a single European Championship edition (Greece 18 in 2004 and Czech Republic 19 in 1996).

[Rasputin]

Russia 0-3 Spain

Spain produced a superb display to cruise past Russia and set up a Euro 2008 final against Germany on Sunday.

Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas was the driving force behind the win after coming on as substitute for injured David Villa.

Xavi turned home Andres Iniesta's cross after 50 minutes and substitute Daniel Guiza converted a superb pass from Fabregas with 17 minutes left.

Fabregas played in David Silva for a simple third after 82 minutes as a disappointing Russia ended well beaten.

The only cloud on Spain's horizon was the first-half injury to Villa, who will now miss the final clash with Germany in Vienna.

Russia never threatened to produce the attacking firepower that saw them dump out Holland in the last eight, and playmaker Andrei Arshavin was an anonymous figure throughout.

Arshavin entered the game with a huge weight of expectation on his shoulders, as well as transfer interest from Barcelona, but failed to deliver.

Spain were outstanding as they inflicted another heavy defeat on Guus Hiddink's side, as they had done in the group stages and were rarely under pressure.

Veteran coach Luis Aragones now looks to have put together a side capable of ending the years of under-achievement, even making light of that injury to the influential Villa.

Spain made a positive start, with the partnership of Villa and Torres demonstrating their threat early on.

Villa slipped in Torres for a shot that was saved by Igor Akinfeev, then forced the Russia keeper into a smart save down at his post with a long-range drive.

Russia's only early effort was a free-kick from Roman Pavlyuchenko that was off target as Spain dominated territory and possession.

Villa fired in another free-kick that was saved by Akinfeev after 28 minutes, but appeared to injure himself and limped off shortly afterwards, to be replaced by Fabregas.

It was a pivotal moment, with Fabregas more than compensating for the departure of Villa by delivered a midfield master-class.

Spain took a fully-deserved lead after 50 minutes when Xavi arrived to perfection to slide home Iniesta's driven cross.

Fabregas was pulling the strings, first setting up Torres for a shot that the Liverpool striker curled off target.

Torres then slid another glorious chance wide after a fine run and cross from Sergio Ramos in what was his final contribution of a tireless performance.

He was replaced by Guiza, with Liverpool team-mate Xabi Alonso coming on for goalscorer Xavi.

And Guiza showed his prowess as a finisher when he scored Spain's second after 73 minutes, lifting Fabregas's superb pass over Akinfeev.

Fabregas was running the game, and he produced another piece of superb creation to set up Silva for a precise finish with eight minutes left.

Spain keeper Iker Casillas was finally forced into action with three minutes remaining, saving superbly from Dmitry Sychev's header.

But it was a minor interruption to Spain's path into the final, and Akinfeev had to save well from Guiza as they threatened to make their victory margin more convincing.

Russia: Akinfeev, Aniukov, Vasili Berezutsky, Ignashevich, Zhirkov, Semak, Zyryanov, Semshov (Bilyaletdinov 56), Saenko (Sychev 57), Pavluchenko, Arshavin.
Subs Not Used: Gabulov, Malafeev, Yanbaev, Alexei Berezutsky, Adamov, Ivanov, Shirokov, Bystrov.

Booked: Zhirkov, Bilyaletdinov.

Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Marchena, Puyol, Capdevila, Iniesta, Xavi (Alonso 69), Senna, Silva, Villa (Fabregas 34), Torres (Guiza 69).
Subs Not Used: Palop, Reina, Albiol, Fernando Navarro, Santi Cazorla, Sergio Garcia, Arbeloa, Juanito, De la Red.

Goals: Xavi 50, Guiza 73, Silva 82.

Att: 50,000

Ref: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium).

BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Spain's Cesc Fabregas 8.01 (on 90 minutes).

[Rasputin]

اسپانیا 3 - 0 روسیه

اسپانیا در نیمه دوم بازی نیمه نهایی جام ملت های اروپا مقابل روسیه سه گل به ثمر رساند تا پس از 44 سال به فینال این جام راه پیدا کند.

خاویر هرناندز، دنی گویزا و دیوید سیلوا گل زدند تا اسپانیا برای دومین بار شانس بلند کردن این جام در بازی روز یکشنبه مقابل آلمان در استادیوم ارنست هاپل را داشته باشد.

اسپانیا که در سال 1964 برنده این جام شده بود، برای اولین بار پس از پنج جام پیاپی که در مرحله یک چهارم نهایی حذف شده بود در بازی یکشنبه در ضربات پنالتی مقابل ایتالیا بالا آمد.

اسپانیا بار دیگر اشتهای خود برای قهرمانی را با پاس های عمقی مقابل روسیه به نمایش گذاشت.

این تیم ممکن است در فینال بدون مهاجم خود دیوید ویلا که در نیمه اول بازی امروز هنگام زدن یک ضربه کاشته مجروح شد به میدان بیاید.

ویلا که با چهار گل بیشترین گل را در این جام به ثمر رسانده در دقیقه 34 لنگان از بازی بیرون رفت و سچه فابریگاس جای او را گرفت.

گل اول اسپانیا را خاوی در دقیقه 50 با کمک کمی شانس به ثمر رساند. در دقیقه 73 فابریگاس توپ را از بالا برای گویزا انداخت تا آن را با بیرون پا گل کند.

فابریگاس سپس در دقیقه 82 توپ را به سیلوا در داخل محوطه 18 قدم پاس داد که حاصل آن گل سوم اسپانیا نبود.

اسپانیا که در فینال 1964 تیم شوروی را 2 بر 1 برده بود هرگز در چهار بازی قبلی با روسیه به این تیم نباخته بود. اسپانیا از جمله دو هفته پیش در دور اول 4 بر 1 روسیه را شکست داد.

[aliansari10]

Im predicting Spain are gonna win it.

[Rasputin]

Thousands of euphoric Spanish fans are celebrating in Madrid after their football team won Euro 2008, beating Germany 1-0 in the final.

Fernando Torres' goal gave Spain its first major trophy in 44 years.

The capital is awash with the red and gold national colours, as fans draped in flags dance and sing in the streets.

The BBC's Steve Kingstone in Madrid describes noisy scenes of jubilation in the Plaza Colon, where thousands of people have gathered.

All-night party

Our correspondent adds that the victory is seen as a major triumph for the young Spanish team, and the championship has in many ways been a unifying event, in a country that is politically and regionally divided.

In the past autonomous regions such as Catalonia and the Basque Country have traditionally been reluctant to support the national team.

The enduring image of the tournament, he says, will be King Juan Carlos embracing Spain's goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas as he accepted the trophy in Vienna.

In Madrid hundreds of police struggled to keep traffic moving as fans spilled out of the city's main square into restaurants and bars for a night of partying.

"It's so many years since we even got past the quarter-finals, and now we've won. I can't believe it," Dani, 19, a student from Madrid told AFP news agency.

"We are the best, and now we're ready to win the World Cup," Joaquin, 48, said. He and his family travelled to the capital from the western city of Salamanca.

The excitement had been growing throughout the day as fans gathered in the Plaza Colon amid soaring temperatures, to watch the match broadcast live from Vienna on giant television screens.

Spain last won the European championship in 1964 with victory over the former USSR - its only previous triumph at a major tournament.

[Rasputin]

Match-winner Fernando Torres said Spain deserved to win Euro 2008 because they played the best football.

Torres struck in the first half as Spain beat Germany 1-0 in Vienna to win their first major trophy for 44 years and Torres' first trophy of any kind.

The Liverpool striker said: "I feel a tremendous joy. It still hasn't sunk in what we've achieved with this victory.

"The team that played the best football at Euro 2008 won the title and we have a place in European football history."

He added: "It's just a dream come true. This is my first title and I hope it's the first of many.

"Victory in a Euro, it is almost as big as a World Cup. We are used to watching finals on television, but today we were here and we won.

"My job is to score goals. I want to win more titles and be the most important player in Europe and the world."

Coach Luis Aragones, who now steps down after four years in the job, could barely contain his delight after the final whistle.

"I am delighted. I usually don't show what I feel but I'm extremely happy," said the 69-year-old.

"Germany were very complicated to play against as they defend so well.

"But we have a composed group who plays well and adjust very well. We all work well together and we managed to get there."


Fabregas hailed victory as the best day of his life
Aragones believes the way his side won the tournament may inspire other teams to try and play the same brand of football in the future.

"All those that love football want to see it played that way," added Aragones. "People want players who can pass well and get into the penalty area and score goals.

"They'll look up to Spain as a model of how to play football.

"We've won this tournament brilliantly, it's a happy day for the players, the background staff, me, all Spaniards."

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas hailed his team's triumph as a "victory for beautiful football".

The 21-year-old said: "It feels amazing, this is the best day of my life in football, I don't think we've realised yet what we have achieved.

"It's been a long time since a team playing this kind of beautiful football won a tournament like this.

"It is 44 years after Spain last won anything. This is one of the best trophies you can win as a footballer and I did it, we did it.

"We play football on the ground, we try to pass the ball and we won this tournament in style. We gave football the success it deserves.

"You know what a young squad this is, so hopefully we can think about winning the World Cup in two years' time."

Liverpool's Xabi Alonso, who came off the bench in the second half, added: "It feels great, of course - so many years without winning anything.

"It was very important for everyone - for the supporters, for the players, for the staff - and now we are absolutely happy and we want to enjoy the moment."

[Rasputin]

Germany 0-1 Spain

Spain claimed their first major title for 44 years after winning Euro 2008 with a deserved victory over Germany.

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres was Spain's goal hero, striking after 33 minutes when he cleverly lifted Xavi's pass over Germany keeper Jens Lehmann.

Spain dominated the final throughout, with Torres heading against the post and Marcos Senna almost adding a second from close range after 80 minutes.

Michael Ballack came close for Germany, shooting narrowly wide after the break.

Spain have long had a reputation as under-achievers on the big occasions, but this was a richly-merited victory for veteran coach Luis Aragones and a team that played outstanding football throughout the tournament.

Germany were outclassed, and for captain Ballack his catalogue of misery in major finals continues having lost two Champions League finals and also been suspended for the 2002 World Cup final when they lost to Brazil.

Match-winner Torres enhanced the reputation he forged at Liverpool last season, but this was an all-round effort for a side that is young enough to already be marked down among the favourites for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Germany were lifted by Ballack declaring himself fit after a calf injury - but he had little impact on a first 45 minutes in which Spain were the vastly-superior side.

Andres Iniesta almost created the opening goal for Spain in the 13th minute when his driven cross took a deflection off Christoph Metzelder, but Lehmann pulled off a fine reflex save.

And they came even closer nine minutes later when Torres rose to meet Sergio Ramos's cross, but his header bounced to safety off the post.

But he was not to be denied and put Spain ahead with a trademark piece of sharpness in front of goal after 33 minutes.

Xavi's pass created uncertainty for Germany defender Philipp Lahm and Torres shrugged him off the ball to lift a superb finish beyond Lehmann.

Germany's problems threatened to worsen when Ballack needed lengthy treatment for an eye wound after a clash of heads with Marcos Senna.

David Silva then wasted a perfect opportunity to double Spain's advantage when he was set up by Iniesta, but he rushed his finish and shot wildly over the top.

Germany made a change at half-time, sending on Marcell Jansen for Lahm, but it was still Spain who dominated.

Xavi and Silva were both off target - but Germany were sticking to their task and almost grabbed an equaliser when Ballack shot just wide after Carles Puyol had conceded possession in a dangerous area.

Spain continued to look the more threatening side, but there was still the lingering prospect of Germany's refusal to accept defeat yielding an unlikely equaliser.


Casillas lifted the Henri Delaunay trophy for Spain
Silva was fortunate to stay on the pitch when he appeared to motion to head-butt Germany's Lukas Podolski, but Italian referee Roberto Rosetti decided against taking any action.

Ramos should have put the game beyond Germany's reach after 66 minutes when he headed straight at Lehmann from point-blank range as he got on the end of Xavi's free-kick.

Iniesta then had a shot cleared off the line by Torsten Frings and another effort saved by Lehmann as Spain looked in the mood to add a second.

And Germany had a remarkable escape after 80 minutes when substitute Daniel Guiza - on for Torres - headed the ball straight into Senna's path right in front of goal, but he could not apply the final touch.

Spain were not made to pay for their generosity in front of goal and ran out worthy winners.

Germany: Lehmann, Friedrich, Metzelder, Mertesacker, Lahm (Jansen 46), Hitzlsperger (Kuranyi 58 ), Frings, Podolski, Ballack, Schweinsteiger, Klose (Gomez 79).
Subs Not Used: Enke, Adler, Fritz, Westermann, Rolfes, Neuville, Trochowski, Borowski, Odonkor.

Booked: Ballack, Kuranyi.

Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Puyol, Marchena, Capdevila, Senna, Iniesta, Fabregas (Alonso 63), Xavi, Silva (Santi Cazorla 66 ), Torres (Guiza 78 ).
Subs Not Used: Palop, Reina, Albiol, Fernando Navarro, Villa, Sergio Garcia, Arbeloa, Juanito, De la Red.

Booked: Casillas, Torres.

Goals: Torres 33.

Att: 51,428

Ref: Roberto Rosetti (Italy).

BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Spain's Cesc Fabregas 8.36 (on 90 minutes).