25th June 2008 – Semi Final 1: Germany vs Turkey
Germany – Drew first blood in the game against Portugal winning 3-2, Germany capitalized on its players height advantage pretty well. Knowing Portugal will lose in any aerial challenge, they had 2 free kicks which came off 2 headers and resulted in 2 goals. The free kicks were not directed at the goal mouth but at players standing around the goal mouth. Headers are more difficult to save than direct free kick. Germany found their winning strategy at last.
Bastian Schweinsteiger with his opener.
Turkey – Its like a cat having nine lives, came back from the dead in the last 2 games. Needed a 121min goal to force the game against Croatia to penalties in the quarter-final. Could miss out up to a third of the players in the semi-finals through injuries and suspension including top scorer Nihat Kahveci who is confirmed out due to a thigh injury.
Nihat Kahveci receives a pat on the shoulder from Turkey coach Fatih Terim as he limps out of the quarter-final against Croatia
Verdict – Turkey’s injury woe is Germany’s fortune. Score: Germany 3-1 Turkey.
Market odds: Germany (-11/4, -0.975), Turkey (+0.925)
