Euro 2008: Germany steal final place in Euro thriller
Published 00:00 26/06/08 By By Martin Lipton, Chief Football Writer, In Basle
Philipp Lahm finally killed off Turkey's comeback kings as Germany stole into a record sixth European Championship Final last night.
Turkey looked to have clawed their way into extra time when Semih Senturk beat Jens Lehmann at his near post.
It was what the Turks deserved, even though Germany had taken control after the break and gone in front for the first time when Miroslav Klose took advantage of Rustu Recber's crazy dash from his line.
German coach Joachim Loew knew his side were lucky to still be in the contest at the break, after they were tormented by Turkey and Colin Kazim Richards.
Former Brighton and Sheffield United ace Richards, now known as Kazim Kazim, hit the bar twice in the opening 22 minutes.
But Turkey made the most of his second effort as Ugal Boral put in the rebound to take the lead.
Turkey, despite only having one fully-fit outfield substitute, were outstanding. But as so often, the masters of tournament football hit back and, from one of only two chances they created before the break, Germany levelled through Bastian Schweinsteiger.
And while Semih's extended leg appeared to have extended the semi-final into 30 minutes of extra-time, Lahm had different ideas.
The defender exchanged passes with former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger and crashed his shot into the top corner.
