TURKEY UNIFORM ONE OF THE HOT PRODUCTS

Turkish National Team Uniforms ore one of the hot products selling on the internet.

According to www.soccer.com, magazine and web site, Turkish National Team uniform i s the sixth hot product selling .

You could buy these Uniforms at my page http://www.turkishsoccer.net/

Just click on the uniform on the right top side.....

Hamit Altintop in the UEFA squad of the tournament

Hamit Altintop is the only player from Turkish National team made the Tournament roster.

UEFA announced the best 23 players of Euro 2008 on Monday.

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Iker Casillas (Spain), Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands).

Defenders: Jose Bosingwa (Portugal), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Carlos Marchena (Spain), Pepe (Portugal), Carles Puyol (Spain), Yuri Zhirkov (Russia).

Midfielders: Hamit Altintop (Turkey), Luka Modric (Croatia), Marcos Senna (Spain), Xavi (Spain), Konstantin Zyryanov (Russia), Michael Ballack (Germany), Cesc Fabregas (Spain), Andres Iniesta (Spain), Lukas Podolski (Germany), Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands).

Forwards: Andrei Arshavin (Russia), Roman Pavlyuchenko (Russia), Fernando Torres
(Spain), David Villa (Spain).

BEST TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT OF THE TEAM IS THE CHAMPS SPAIN OF COURSE

Could Hamit Altintop Capture the Castrol Player of Tournament?...

Why not!.... He was the one of the best player ....play maker..... hustler! ..
Call him,the hard worker of the team in my opinion.

He is featured on UEFA 2008 Tournament site as a top ten star players of the tournament

On Monday , UEFA will announce the player of the Tournament and the Team of the Tournament

MANCHESTER UNITED AFTER ARDA TURAN

According to scouting reports from Man U web site Arda is under the Man U's microscope.


Arda Turan scored against Switzerland, he also found the net in Turkey's incredible 3-2 win over the Czech Republic.

Scouted: Arda Turan

The 21-year-old Galatasaray midfielder has already earned 21 caps for his country, scoring two goals in Euro 2008 so far.

Having scored against Switzerland, he also found the net in Turkey's incredible 3-2 win over the Czech Republic. Here, red-ronaldo2004 runs the rule over his qualities...

Scouting Report

Player Name: Arda Turan
Position: Midfielder
Match Scouted: Turkey v Czech Republic
Key Moment: Scored the first goal to aid Turkey's revival against the Czechs. Finished brilliantly as he was still sliding in to reach the ball.
Strengths: A versatile player with good close ball control. Can play on either left or right side of the midfield. Has a keen eye for goal as well as creating chances for the supporting strikers.
Weaknesses: He only has a small physique and does not muscle in for the ball often.
Suitability: He will provide cover for the midfield, but could also be a goalscoring midfielder like the Scholes of old. Good attack-minded mentality.
Estimated Value: Came through the youth ranks at Galatasaray and is reportedly valued at around £11million.
http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=...;newsid=6611817

Nihat to miss up to four months after undergoing surgery

Villarreal and Turkish National Team striker Nihat Kahveci will be out for up to four months after undergoing surgery on Sunday for an injury sustained while playing for Turkey at the European Championship.

The Spanish club said doctors successfully repaired a tendon in the 28-year-old Nihat's right thigh, which was damaged in the closing minutes of Turkey's quarter-final victory over Croatia.

Nihat, whose club-leading 18 goals helped Villarreal finish second to champion Real Madrid, will need at least three months to recover and could miss the start of Villarreal's Champions League campaign.

FATIH TERIM MIGHT STAY !...

Fatih Terim should stay on until 2010 and not resign as Turkey coach in the wake of a Euro 2008 semi-final defeat, the nation's football supremo Hasan Dogan said on Friday.

"Fatih Terim is the coach and he will hopefully fulfil his contract until 2010," Dogan said in a statement posted on the Turkish football federation's website.

"I spoke with Terim on the return flight (from Switzerland). He is at the top of the national team. But I must admit that it is tough to be a footballer or a coach in Turkey," said Dogan in reference to swift criticism in the country if things don't go well, reported dpa.

Terim said immediately after Wednesday's last-minute 3-2 semi- final defeat against Germany that he would probably retire. He said he had offers from clubs in England and Italy but would not make a final decision until having met with players and officials.

Let's remember what Terim said after losing to Germans!.........

"I had declared earlier I would not be working in Turkey," he said.

"I am a man who keeps my promises, so I will most probably go back to a European country. But it would not be proper for me to say more details about this before having spoken with the president of the federation."


Terim did this once before, after unsuccessful try in Italy, He came back to coach Galatasaray team for second spell....


After all, most colorfull coach of the Euro 2008, Fatih Terim ,achieved the best name for him self in the football(soccer) world.
Turkey should be proud with him.
AHMET TURGUT

KAZIM QUESTIONS THE LAHM GOAL!..

Turkish international Colin Kazim-Richards has criticised Germany for scoring in Wednesday's Euro 2008 quarter final while he was lying injured on the turf

Kazim regrets the fact Philipp Lahm scored the winner in the last minute of the game when he was he was injured, and he believes Joachim Low’s team should not have played on.

Kazim-Richards claims he is not a diver and was forced to leave the pitch after a painful challenge.

“Personally I think they [Germany] are going to be disappointed with the way they scored the winner,” he told reporters.

“It’s disappointing. I’m not the kind of player to roll around on the floor if it’s not serious. I had to be replaced and if I felt better I would have played on.

“Our opponents played a better football than us in the last two games, and we won, but against Germany we were the best but we finally lost.”

Turkish Keeper Rustu calls it quits

Rustu Recber has retired from international football after Turkey's narrow 3-2 defeat to Germany in the Euro 2008 semi-finals.

The 35-year-old quits with sad memories after his mistake allowed Miroslav Klose to head Germany in front with 11 minutes left in Basel.

Although Semih Senturk equalised, Philipp Lahm had Rustu picking the ball out of his net again in the final minute and, this time, the goal proved decisive.

"I am ending my international career where I served with pride, glory and honour for 14 years," he told Uefa's official website.

"I would like to thank everybody who has helped me.

"I am proud of each of my team-mates. Everybody in Turkey should get behind them because this team can achieve a lot."

Besiktas number one Rustu won 118 caps for his country, but had been deposed by Volkan Demirel before his untimely suspension during the finals.

FATIH TERIM IS LEAVING THE TURKISH NATIONAL TEAM

Turkey coach Fatih Terim said he would probably step down after his side were beaten 3-2 by a last-minute German goal in the first Euro 2008 semi-final Wednesday in Basle. Terim hailed his side's performance but said he would now "most probably" quit as national team coach, once he had spoken to the players and the football federation's president.

"I hope anyone who comes after me will do well," he said.

He indicated he would like to return to club management outside Turkey.

"I had declared earlier I would not be working in Turkey," he said.

"I am a man who keeps my promises, so I will most probably go back to a European country. But it would not be proper for me to say more details about this before having spoken with the president of the federation."

Turkey were beaten by a 90th-minute Philipp Lahm goal, after they had taken the lead, then come from behind to equalize at 2-2 through Semih Senturk in the 86th minute.

"I congratulate Germany for their win, and I wish them success in the final, but I am proud of my players," Terim said.

"I think they wanted to play well. They were able to show the world what a good team they are. I am very proud of them. It was important for me all my life to have players who enjoy playing. Perhaps we didn't play well during the whole tournament, but we played well today."

Terim went into the match without four suspended players and several injured. The coach said he did not want to use the absences as an excuse, but added: "We have to discuss the yellow cards" given to Turkey during the tournament.

He said: "Germany are a good team. They are serious opponents. Whatever I say now after the game is too late. The analysis should be made by the press.

"I think we were the side that played better. And it is not easy to face an opponent like Germany. I am happy that everyone could see good football being played out there today."

Terim said he hoped Turkey's success at Euro 2008 would be continued at future major tournaments.

"Football is a very important sector in Turkey. Seventy million people and their hearts were beating with the players today," he said.

"A team like Turkey must be in tournaments like this. It is important to be here. I believe in the future, too."

This Time Lucky Germany beat Turkey to reach Euro final

Defender Philipp Lahm scored a 90th minute winner to give Germany a thrilling 3-2 victory over Turkey and a place in the Euro 2008 final.

A header from Germany's Miroslav Klose 11 minutes from time looked to have sealed a 2-1 victory, only for Semih Senturk to level for Turkey in the 86th minute in what seemed set to be another escape act by Fatih Terim's men.

But Lahm snatched victory for Germany with a curling shot into the top corner at St Jakob Park.

Goals from Turkey's Ugur Boral and Bastian Schweinsteiger in an absorbing first half had left the game evenly poised.

Turkey had reached their first European championship semi-final thanks to last-gasp goals in the group game with the Czechs and the quarter-final against Croatia but in Basel they were on their game from the off.

Terim's side started much better than their more illustrious opponents, despite missing four players through suspension and having a raft of others injured.

They scored the opener in a match for the first time in the tournament after 22 minutes.

Left midfielder Ugur, who was a threat all night, scuffed the ball through goalkeeper Jens Lehmann's legs after a looping effort from Kazim Kazim came back off the bar.

Turkey deserved their lead having already come close when Kazim rattled the woodwork with a shot and impressive playmaker Hamit Altintop was denied following a Lahm mistake.

Germany equalised against the run of play on 26 minutes when midfielder Schweinsteiger cleverly flicked in a cross from Lukas Podolski in one of their first real attacks.

Podolski later shot wide when in a good position but generally the three-times European champions were lacklustre and consistently lost the midfield battles.

The second half started off less thrilling than the first with Germany having a penalty shout turned down after Lahm was felled on the edge of the area and Thomas Hitzlsperger whistling an effort just past the post.

But the late goal rush made for a pulsating finish, a day before Spain meet Russia in the second semi-final in Vienna on Thursday.

Germany 3 - 2 Turkey Highlights

Germany 3 - 2 Turkey Highlights

GERMANY V TURKEY MATCH WILL BE ON ESPN TV, LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA.....

GERMANY V TURKEY MATCH WILL BE ON ESPN TV, LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA.....

YOU COULD ALSO WATCH THE MATCH LIVE ON THE INTERNET ON ESPN360.COM LIVE....

GERMANY V TURKEY LIVE GAMECAST.....(14:45 ET

FATIH TERIM: WE DON'T NEED A MIRACLE AGAINST GERMANY

We can beat Germany in their Euro 2008 semi-final on Wednesday without needing a miracle, coach Fatih Terim said.

"As far as I know there are three results you can get in football, there is no result called 'miracle' in football," he told a news conference on Tuesday.

"I don't think there is anything impossible. I laugh at those who say it is luck or a miracle."

Fatih Terim said the only miracle was his troubled country coming together thanks to his team's success.

"In our country we have many crises and people who are not tolerant. But when the topic is football it unites people. Everyone seems to have united under the Turkish flag," he said.

"If you are looking for a miracle, that is the miracle. Everyone for just a few weeks has been able to forget their worries."

If Turkey go through, he said he did not care whether they faced Spain or Russia in Sunday's final. The pair meet in their semi-final in Vienna on Thursday.

A triumph over Germany in their first European Championship semi-final would be even more remarkable given Turkey's raft of injuries and suspensions. However, Fatih Terim does not want the term miracle being used.

Emre ruled out of semi-final
Emre Belozoglu is still unfit and will not play in Wednesday's Euro 2008 semi-final against Germany, coach Fatih Terim said.

"With Emre, it's impossible for him to play," the coach told a news conference on Tuesday, adding that midfielder Tumer Metin, who has a groin strain, may be able to play for the last 30 minutes.

Turkey have goalkeeper Volkan Demirel, defender Emre Asik and midfielders Arda Turan and Tuncay Sanli suspended for Wednesday while injured striker Nihat Kahveci is out of the tournament alongside Emre Gungor.

Defender Servet Cetin is almost certain to miss the semi-final with a knee problem.

Fatih Terim joked during the week that third-choice goalkeeper Tolga Zengin might have to play as an outfield player given their woes.

"It was a joke but people took it seriously. It was just a joke to show we had many injured and suspended players," he said on Tuesday.

"Nihat is one of the best strikers in Europe. But I think we just have to look forward and accept the facts as they are. The players that replace the injured and suspended ones will do just as well. We are not looking for excuses."

Espn's Tommy Smtyh " Germany would want a little turkey on their plate"

Turkish National Team squad that is left!....

Turkey squad ahead of the Euro 2008 semi-final against Germany in Basel.

Rustu Recber (Besiktas). Goalkeeper. Born: 10.5.73 Caps: 117

Tournament appearances: 1. Goals conceded: 1. Yellow cards: 0

The 35-year-old is back in the limelight after Volkan Demirel's suspension and although he was partly to blame for Croatia's goal in the 1-1 quarter-final draw, a save in the shootout took the Turks through. His outstanding performances at the 2002 World Cup played a key role in Turkey reaching the semi-finals but his form has dipped since.

Tolga Zengin (Trabzonspor). Born 10.10.83. Caps: 2

Tournament appearances: 0. Goals conceded: 0. Yellow cards: 0

The 24-year-old third choice keeper from the Black Sea region could end up being used as an outfield player given Turkey's injury and suspension woes.

Servet Cetin (Galatasaray). Defender. Born: 17.3.81. Caps: 32 Goals: 1

Tournament appearances: 3. Goals: 0. Yellow cards: 0

The tall centre back is very doubtful for the semi-final because of a knee injury. His height was a valuable asset in dealing with the aerial threat in the three group games but he missed the quarter-final against Croatia.

Gokhan Zan (Besiktas). Defender. Born: 7.9.81. Caps: 21 Goals: 0

Tournament appearances: 2. Goals: 0. Yellow cards: 1

Injured his knee in the first group game against Portugal when he was often badly exposed in the 2-0 defeat. Croatia also ran him ragged at times in the quarter-final.

Hakan Balta (Galatasaray). Defender. Born: 23.3.83. Caps: 12 Goals: 1

Tournament appearances: 4. Goals: 0. Yellow cards: 1

Born in Berlin, the left back will be in the spotlight for the semi-final. Has played well in all four games so far.

Sabri Sarioglu (Galatasaray). Defender. Born 26.7.84. Caps: 16. Goals: 1

Tournament appearances: 3. Goals: 0. Yellow cards: 1

The pacy player can play in midfield and at right back but was largely anonymous in the quarter-final against Croatia.

Ugur Boral (Fenerbahce). Defender. Born 14.4.82. Caps: 9 Goals: 0

Tournament appearances: 1. Goals: 0. Yellow cards: 1

The left back did not feature in qualifying for Euro 2008 but looks poised to be more involved in the semi-final with the Turks hampered by injuries and suspension. Sat a university entrance exam during the tournament.

Hamit Altintop (Bayern Munich). Midfielder. Born: 8.12.82. Caps: 46 Goals: 2

Tournament appearances: 4. Goals: 0. Yellow cards: 0

Hamit, whose surname means 'golden ball', is the fulcrum of the team and frustrates markers by drifting between attack and midfield. Had a lot of the ball in the quarter-final against Croatia but did little with it.

Mehmet Aurelio (Fenerbahce). Midfielder. Born: 15.12.77. Caps: 22 Goals: 1

Tournament appearances: 3. Goals: 0. Yellow cards: 2

Back in contention after being banned for the quarter-final. Born Marco Aurelio in Rio de Janeiro, he became a Turkish citizen in 2006 and took the name Mehmet. He became the first naturalised player to be capped in August 2006.

Emre Belozoglu (Newcastle United/Fenerbahce). Midfielder. Born: 7.9.80. Caps: 57 Goals: 4

Tournament appearances: 1. Goals: 0. Yellow cards: 0

The injured captain is rated as 50/50 to face Germany after tearing a hamstring. His influence is immense and Turkey will struggle for creativity if he does not recover in time.

Mehmet Topal (Galatasaray). Midfielder. Born: 3.3.86. Caps: 8 Goals: 0

Tournament appearances: 3. Goals: 0. Yellow cards: 1

The 22-year-old defensive midfielder, nicknamed 'Spider' because of his long legs, nearly scored with a real scorcher against Croatia in the quarter-final.

Gokdeniz Karadeniz (Rubin Kazan). Midfielder. Born: 11.1.80. Caps: 48 Goals: 6

Tournament appearances: 2. Goals: 0. Yellow cards: 0

The attacking midfielder has been ineffectual so far and will probably start on the bench despite Turkey's injury and suspension problems. He was banned from football for 10 months in 2005 over a betting scandal.

Ayhan Akman (Galatasaray). Midfielder. Born 23.2.77. Caps: 10. Goals: 1

Tournament appearances: 0. Goals: 0. Yellow cards: 0

Can play in a variety of roles in midfield but has yet to feature at the finals.

Tumer Metin (Fenerbahce/Larissa). Midfielder. Born: 14.10.74. Caps: 24 Goals: 7

Tournament appearances: 1. Goals: 0. Yellow cards: 0

A groin injury looks likely to rule him out against Germany. Has chipped in with some important goals for his country.

Semih Senturk (Fenerbahce). Forward. Born: 29.4.83. Caps: 8 Goals: 3

Tournament appearances: 4. Goals: 2. Yellow cards: 0

The 25-year-old smashed in the deflected equaliser in extra time stoppage time against Croatia in the quarter-final. Top scorer in the domestic league this season but short of international experience, having only broken into the national team last November.

Kazim Kazim (Fenerbahce). Forward. Born 26.8.86. Caps: 6 Goals: 0

Tournament appearances: 4. Goals: 0. Yellow cards: 1

Known as Kazim Kazim in Turkey, London-born Colin Kazim-Richards signed for Fenerbahce from English club Sheffield United last year. Has looked slightly out of his depth in the tournament so far but can conjure up a goal from nothing.

Mevlut Erdinc (Sochaux). Forward. Born: 25.2.87. Caps: 5 Goals: 0

Tournament appearances: 1. Goals: 0. Yellow cards: 0

The 21-year-old, who also holds French nationality and goes by the name Erding there, was Sochaux's top scorer last season. Yet to set Euro 2008 alight.

Defender Emre Asik, midfielder Arda Turan and forward Tuncay Sanli are suspended for the semi-final after picking up two yellow cards so far. Goalkeeper Volkan Demireal is serving the second game of a two-match ban after being shown a red card.

Striker Nihat Kahveci and defender Emre Gungor have been ruled out of the tournament through injury.

NO APEAL FOR TURKEY KEEPER VOLKAN

Turkish National team have suffered another blow after UEFA on Monday denied goalkeeper Volkan Demirel's appeal against his two-game suspension.

The decision leaves the already-depleted Terim, without their number one goalkeeper for Wednesday's semi-final meeting with Germany.

Volkan Demirel was sent off in stoppage time of Turkey's dramatic 3-2 Group A victory over Czech Republic after pushing Jan Koller, and missed the quarter-final win over Croatia as a result.

However, he had hoped to get the ban reduced in order to play against Germany.

Turkish National team coach Fatih Terim is facing a battle simply to field a full team on Wednesday night as his list of injuries and suspensions grows.

Nihat Kahveci and Emre Gungor have been ruled out of the tournament, while Servet Cetin, Tumer Metin and Emre Belozoglu are all injured and four players - including Volkan Demirel- are suspended.

Preview of Germany vs Turkey Semi-Final Match

Hamit holds key for Turkey
The German-born versatile midfielder, who plays his club football for German champions Bayern Munich, has been used by Terim in different roles -- wherever he needed a solid player who was prepared to go the extra mile.

In the dramatic quarter-final against Croatia, Altintop put in a match-winning performance.

His statistics for the game speak for themselves. The 25-year-old covered an amazing 14.216 kilometers in the game and was named as the man of the match.

"Our greatest strength is out emotion and passion. We have plenty of both on the field,” said Altintop. "There is an excellent spirit in the team. We have respect for each other and are honest and open with each other."



FORMATIONS

Germany coach Joachim Loew, back on the bench after his one match banishment to the stands by UEFA, will have to decide whether to stick with the 4-5-1 formation he used against Portugal, or revert to his favoured 4-4-2.

Playing five in midfield meant he could give a much freer role to Michael Ballack, who was devastating in attack. Loew must be tempted to stick with the same strategy.

Turkish coach Fatih Terim's hand will be forced by what players he has available, but is likely to also play 4-4-2 although who fills those positions is the subject of some conjecture because he has so many injuries and suspensions to deal with.

STRENGTHS

Germany clearly have strengths in every department, but their biggest attribute on Wednesday may well be in their heads. The Germans grow up believing they will reach the later stages, if not the final, of every competition they enter, and are also bound to feel confident playing against a Turkish team severely depleted by absent personnel.

Turkey, though, have proved a mental strength and resilience better than anyone else WEAKNESSES

Terim's team have trailed to Switzerland, Czech Republic and Croatia before triumphing and their never-say-die attitude could again be vital.



If Germany take a weakness into this match it is likely to be that of over-confidence. The centre of defence also remains porous.

Turkey have been severely weakened by the absences of key players like captain Nihat Kahveci because of injury and Tuncay Sanli who is suspended. Terim could go into the game with only 13 fit or eligible players, including third choice goalkeeper Tolga Zengin.

DEFENCE

Central defenders Per Mertesacker and Christoph Metzelder have played over 80 times between them for Germany but still look some way short of international class, although the wide defenders Arne Friedrich and Philipp Lahm have done well here and restricted Cristiano Ronaldo's influence in the quarter-final.

The Turkey defence is in some disarray with goalkeeper Volkan Demirel suspended, pending a UEFA appeal, and defenders Emre Gungor (injured) and Emre Asik (suspended) while Servet Cetin is doubtful with a knee injury.

MIDFIELD

Ballack's role in the midfield is likely to determine the outcome, which could well go in Germany's favour.

The absence of the suspended Tuncay Sanli and Arda Turan will severely harm Turkey's chances, although Mehmet Topal has impressed when given the chance. Emre Belozoglu, sidelined with a hamstring injury, has resumed training and could be forced back into action as Turkey's situation is so desperate.

ATTACK

The form of Lukas Podolski, who has scored three goals in the tournament, and Bastian Schweinsteiger, who got the first goal against Portugal after returning from suspension, are likely to tip the balance Germany's way in attack -- especially if Ballack is given licence to get forward again.

Turkey will miss captain Nihat Kahveci up front, but Semih Senturk is a very good marksman even if the majority of his goals come when he arrives as a substitute.

UEFA has no problems if Terim want to play goalkeeper upfront

Europe's governing body UEFA said on Monday that they would have no problems if Turkey fielded one of their goalkeepers upfront at Euro 2008. Turkish coach Fatih Terim's squad has been decimated by injuries and suspensions and he could potentially have just 14 players, including two goalkeepers, available for Wednesday's semi-final clash against Germany.

Terim had earlier said that he might be forced to use third-choice goalkeeper Tolgan Zengin outside.

"He could come on towards the end as a sub as last man in defence or as centre forward."

UEFA official William Gaillard told a press briefing on Monday that the organization had no problems if Terim wanted to use a goalkeeper as an outfielder.

"A player can play in any position. In fact, Turkey used striker Tuncay Sanli in goal against the Czech Republic after Volkan Demirel had been sent off."

Turkey will be without Tuncay Sanli, Arda Turan, Volkan Demirel and Emre Asik who are suspended, while Emre Gungor and Nihat Kahveci will not be available because of an injury.

Several other players were also ruled out of the quarter-final against Croatia through injury and there must be some doubts about the availability of Servet Cetin, Emre Belozoglu, Tumer Metin and Ayhan Akman for the semi-final clash.

UEFA had earlier said that Turkey would not be allowed to call up any replacements.

"You can't replace any players after the first game of the tournament has been played," Gaillard said.

Source:Wires

FATIH TERIM: "WE COULD BEAT ANBODY!..."

HAVING watched his team come from behind for the third time at Euro08, Turkish coach Fatih Terim is hoping that the semi-final against Germany on Thursday morning will be less dramatic but just as successful.

It took a last-gasp equaliser from substitute Semih Senturk to send the quarter-final against Croatia to penalty kicks yesterday morning.

Veteran goalkeeper Rustu Recber saved Mladen Petric's spot-kick for the Turks to win the ensuing penalty shoot-out 3-1 and complete their third rallying victory at Euro08.

Turkey came from behind to beat Switzerland 2-1 and then scored two goals in the final three minutes to beat the Czech Republic 3-2.

'We seem to always come back - we do it the hard way and never the easy it, and that shows just how good a team we are,' Fatih said.

'We always come back and that's not easy to do. Let's hope that we can take the lead against Germany.'.

It will be a miracle if the Turks can pull off another upset against the Germans.

Decimated by injuries and suspensions, Fatih faces a race against time to patch up his weary soldiers for the semi-final against the Germans.

First-choice goalkeeper Volkan Demirel, handed a two-match ban after being sent off against the Czech Republic, is out, as are Tuncay Sanli, Arda Turan and Emre Asik.

The trio picked up their second yellow cards against Croatia.

Defender Emre Gungor is out of Euro08 after picking up a calf injury in the win over the Czech Republic.

Captain Nihat Kahveci left the pitch clutching his groin yesterday morning, so he's also a doubtful starter.

Hamit Altintop, who scored Turkey's winning penalty against Croatia, is relishing the prospect of taking on some of his Bayern Munich team-mates in the semi-final.

The Gelsenkirchen-born midfielder could face as many as five Bayern colleagues in Basel.

Given his insider knowledge, the 25-year-old will play a pivotal part in discussions as Fatih plots to undo Die Mannschaft.

'It's important that we rest first and then we can analyse Germany with our coach.

'We can beat anybody if we prepare ourselves properly. If we continue like this we shouldn't fear any team.'
Source: Wire Services

IS TURKEY FOR REAL OR CINDERELLA TEAM?.

THAT IS THE REAL QUESTION NOW, AFTER TURKEY, COMEBACK THIRD TIME IN THE TOURNAMENT ,AGAINST CROATIA IN THE LAST SECONDS OF THE MATCH!..

SOME ARE CALLING, "TURKISH NATIONAL TEAM "CINDERELLA TEAM OF THE EURO 2008!"....

EVEN ESPN SPORTS NETWORK IN THE UNITED STATES PROMOTING GERMANY V TURKEY MATCH AS "DAVID AGAINST GOLIATH" GOLIATH BEING THE TURKISH NATIONAL TEAM!...


During the Sunday's match between Spain and Italy, ESPN commentator Tommy Smyth ,said Turkish National team has no chance against Germany!...

But than again same Tommy Smyth, said Turks were done after Croatia goal ....

"The main issue is the injuries and suspensions for Turkish National team"...

After losing against Portugal badly, beating Switzerland in the last second of the match a goal by Arda Turan’s powerful strike turn Turkish National teams fortune around and built the confidence that they need it.....

After that , we all now what happened!....

Another stunning finish against Czech Republic and against Croatia .....

Three times, comeback from behind, and going to play in the semi-finals of euro 2008

That is something!.....

Call it Miracle...
Call it Cinderella.....
Call it luck!......
Then again ..... . .
“There is something special about this team,” Terim said. “We seem to come back from the dead. We always do the hard thing, not the easy thing, which shows how good my team is. When you have players like this, you just don't lose.”

Or it is like Terim said " Hard work and passion "

I think, it is a little bit of luck and most of all it is great work by determination by our National players...

First, Kudos to them, than, give a credit to Terim and his gang!.....

Lastly, let me say this, Turkish National team made more noise than World Cup 2002 Tournament!...

Here is why....

Back in 2002 ESPN did show the matches but, it was in early hours in the morning like 3 or 5 in the morning....

This time it is on afternoon....

A lot of Soccer fans and American sport fans are watching the matches...

American viewers, coming to know Turkish soccer players like Arda Turan, Semih Senturk, Rustu Recber,Nihat,Tuncay Sanli,Hamit Altintop and the Keeper who has my son's name Volkan...and much much more names.....

Lastly, The coach of Turkish National Fatih Terim......

THEY ARE THE STARS OF TURKISH FOOTBALL(SOCCER ) IN THIS TOURNAMENT.....

Nihat out of Euro 2008!....

Turkish National Team striker Nihat Kahveci will miss the rest of Euro 2008 with a thigh injury, the Turkish Football(soccer) Federation has confirmed.

Nihat injured his thigh just minutes before the end of the game in Friday's penalty shoot-out win over Croatia in Vienna.

The 28-year-old made a name for himself when he scored twice late on in Turkey's remarkable comeback win over the Czech Republic which saw them qualify from Group A.

Turkish National Team have been crippled by injuries and suspension, with nine first choice players unavailable for the semi-final against Germany.

Coach Fatih Terim is so short of options, he has said he might be forced to ask reserve keeper Tolgan Zengin to play outfield.

TURKEY CRISIS FOR UEFA!...

Uefa could be forced into an emergency meeting if Turkey's injury crisis worsens ahead of Wednesday's semi-final final with Germany in Basle.

Coach Fatih Terim had only 15 outfield players for their quarter-final win over Croatia - and three of those will be suspended for the German clash.

Uefa spokesman William Gaillard said: "If a team had eight players, for instance, a meeting would be called."

TERIM WAITS ON TEAM SELECTION AGAINST GERMANY

Turkish National Team coach Fatih Terim faces an anxious wait to see what sort of team he will be able to put out in their Euro 2008 semi-final against Germany with injuries and suspensions decimating his squad.

Terim went into Friday´s quarter-final against Croatia in Vienna with just 15 outfield players and with eight of his starting XI on a yellow card, and three of those eight - Tuncay Sanli, Arda Turan and Emre Asik - duly picked up bookings during the match and will be suspended for Wednesday´s semi, while captain and talisman Nihat Kahveci is doubtful (suspected groin injury).

"I haven´t been able to do any damage assessment yet and I have to go back to hotel and see what damage there is to the team," said Terim following his side´s penalty shoot-out victory. "We have injured players and suspended players, so we will have to see about all that."

Turkey vs. Croatia - Full Highlights - Euro 2008

HEY WORLD!.MEET THE TURKS

COMEBACK KIDS DOES IT AGAIN...

Turkey defeats Croatia in shootout, 3 -1

Having watched this team come from behind for the third time at the European Championship, Turkey coach Fatih Terim is hoping Wednesday's semifinal match against Germany will be less dramatic but just as successful.

Semih Senturk scored a 120th-minute equalizer Friday for a 1-1 draw after extra time. One minute earlier, Ivan Klasnic gave Croatia the lead at Ernst Happel Stadium.
Goalkeeper Rustu Recber then saved Mladen Petric's spot kick for the Turks to win the ensuing penalty shootout 3-1 and complete their third rallying victory at Euro 2008. Turkey had come from behind to beat Switzerland 2-1 and then scored two goals in the final three minutes to beat the Czech Republic 3-2.

"We seem to always come back — we do it the hard way and never the easy it, and that shows just how good a team we are," Turkey coach Fatih Terim said. "We always come back and that's not easy to do. Let's hope that we can take the lead against Germany.

FATIH TERIM: "I NEVER GIVE UP"

"I tell my players never to give up. I tell them that they shouldn't be afraid of losing or conceding goals. This is football. You should never give up until the referee blows the final whistle."Terim only had 15 players from 23 to choose from due to injuries and suspension, and he will be without three more — Tuncay Sanli, Arda Turan and Emre Asik — after they picked up yellow cards to be banned for Wednesday's match in Basel, Switzerland.

"For us, it's important that we rest and then we will analyze Germany with our coach," Turkey midfielder Hamit Altintop said. "The team has shown it's important to believe in ourselves and our coach. If we do that, there's no reason we can't still go far."

Arda, Semih and Altintop scored for Turkey in the shootout. Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic also missed for Croatia, while Darijo Srna scored the team's only penalty.
After a scoreless 90 minutes of regulation time, Klasnic gave Croatia the lead with a header in 119th minute. The first player to ever take part at the European Championship after a kidney transplant headed in Modric's cross from close range only 22 minutes after coming on as a substitute.

But before the Croatian fans had stopped celebrating with time almost up, Recber sent a long clearance into Croatia's box and the ball dropped to Semih, whose left-footed shot deflected off defender Robert Kovac and went into the top corner of the net with goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa rooted to the ground.

"It seemed like the match was over, then to concede a goal, then go on to penalties, gave a psychological advantage to the Turks," Croatia coach Slaven Bilic said. "This certainly isn't going to be easy to forget. Not only will we not forget this, this will haunt me for the rest of my life."We will probably weep for a few days, but such is life. We will be back."Altintop said he didn't have any time to worry about losing after Klasnic scored.

"We would have time to weep after the referee had blown the final whistle, so we had to play without fear," the midfielder said. "In football, emotions often don't have time to come into it."In a low quality match marked by defensive caution, a depleted Turkish team restricted Croatia to few opportunities by pressing in midfield and not allowing its opponent time on the ball.Srna threaded a pass behind the defense and Modric's low, sweeping cross was thundered against the crossbar by Ivica Olic from inside the box, and Niko Kranjcar's follow-up header went wide in the 19th minute. But both teams were too often guilty of taking the wrong option in the final third of the field.

Recber, playing for the suspended Volkan Demirel, preserved the scoreline in regulation time when he made an amazing one-handed save from a free kick by Srna in the 83rd. Recber was also the goalkeeper that helped Turkey reach the 2002 World Cup semifinals, where the team lost to eventual champion Brazil.

Lineups:
Croatia: Stipe Pletikosa, Vedran Corluka, Josip Simunic, Robert Kovac, Danijel Pranjic, Darijo Srna, Niko Kovac, Luka Modric, Ivan Rakitic, Niko Kranjcar (Mladen Petric, 64), Ivica Olic (Ivan Klasnic, 97).

Turkey: Rustu Recber, Hamit Altintop, Gokhan Zan, Emre Asik, Hakan Balta, Mehmet Topal (Semih Senturk, 76), Sabri Sarioglu, Tuncay Sanli, Arda Turan, Kazim Kazim (Ugur Boral, 61), Nihat Kahveci (Gokdeniz Karadeniz, 116).

Croatia vs Turkey Live Commentary

Croatia vs Turkey Live Commentary

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Fatih Terim: "No Excuses"

Head coach Fatih Terim gestures during a training session of the national soccer team of Turkey in Vienna, Thursday, June 19, 2008. Turkey reached the quarterfinal stage of the Euro 2008 European Soccer Championships in Austria and Switzerland.
(AP Photo/)


Despite injuries and suspensions to deal with, Turkish National Soccer team coach Fatih Terim insists he has no excuses ahead of tonight's Euro 2008 quarterfinal against Croatia...


"We have no excuses," said Terim.

"It doesn't matter who plays at the back, in midfield or up front. What's important is how the players perform, not their names.

"All our injured players are important to us, but their replacements can do a good job."

Terim reserved special praise for back-up goalkeeper Rustu Recber: "We believe in him. He has lots of big tournament experience."

Having developed a reputation as comeback kings in this tournament, Terim is hoping his side make a good start against Slaven Bilic's Croatia.

"For once, we hope we can start the game well, but we're ready for 90 minutes, 120 minutes or penalties and we've lost none of our bravery," insisted the Turkey boss.

UEFA postpones Turkey appeal

Turkey goalkeeper Volkan Demirel will miss his team's quarterfinal against Croatia at the European Championship on Friday after his appeal against a two-match suspension was put back to Monday.
UEFA said Thursday that the "Turkish appeal will take place on June 23 during the afternoon" without further elaborating.

Demirel will be replaced by Rustu Recber, who will play his 117th international game, Turkey coach Fatih Terim said Thursday.

Demirel was banned for two games after he was ejected against the Czech Republic in Turkey's final Group A game in Geneva last Sunday. He knocked down striker Jan Koller in the final minute of the match, which Turkey won 3-2, and then sat on the team's bench in defiance of FIFA rules.

"I didn't approve Volkan's action. It wasn't necessary and it wasn't right," Terim said. "But the judgment (by UEFA) was too harsh. I hope Volkan will be treated like Bastian Schweinsteiger, who made a similar foul in my opinion."

The Turkish soccer federation was also fined $42,000 for improper conduct of its fans, players and officials following the match.

I wonder ,improper conduct done by officials could be, Fatih Terim's hitting and grabbing the fourth referee.

TURKISH SOCCER FANS GET READY TO PARTY...

IT IS A RED AND WHITE, WEAR DAY......

THE WHOLE WORLD WILL BE WATCHING "COME BACK KID" TURKEY, ON FRIDAY!.....
IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA ESPN TV WILL SHOW Croatia v Turkey ........MATCH LIVE

Follow Croatia v Turkey match with gamecast Live Score......

The streets of Turkey and Turkish soccer fans in all over the world ,are all set to be eerily empty on Friday night as Turks pack into bars, tea houses or just about anywhere with a television set to watch the national team take on Croatia in the Euro 2008 quarter-finals. That Turkey even made it to the quarter-finals came as a huge surprise to most.
On Sunday night, with 20 minutes to go and 2-0 down against the Czech Republic in their final game of the group stage, most Turks watching proceedings from afar where downcast.
Three goals in the final 15 minutes, though, sealed a stunning 3-2 victory as the country went crazy.
People waving Turkish flags started impromptu street parties as convoys of cars honked their way through the centre of almost every town and city in the country.
It was not so much the victory itself but the dramatic way the Turkish side came back that has lifted spirits so high.
Come on, come back kids do it one more time ....so, The Turkish soccer(football) fans all over the world ,will rise again!
TURKISH DEFENDER SERVET MIGHT NOT PLAY!....
Turkey defender Servet Cetin has been ruled out of their quarter-final clash against Croatia on Friday with a knee injury, leaving coach Fatih Terim with just 17 players to choose from.
'Servet will definitely not play tomorrow and if we qualify for the semi-final then it still looks difficult for him to play,' Terim told a news conference on Thursday.
'We have 15 footballers, two goalkeepers and we can make three substitutions. That is what we have.'
Turkey, who reached the last eight by coming back from 2-0 down to beat Czech Republic 3-2 in Group A on Sunday, have been without captain Emre Belozoglu because of a hamstring injury since their opening game.
Emre Gungor is out for the rest of the tournament with a calf problem while goalkeeper Volkan Demirel and Mehmet Aurelio are suspended. Midfielder Tumer Metin will also miss the Croatia match due to injury.

Turkey appeal Volkan ban

Turkish National Team have launched an appeal after goalkeeper Volkan Demirel was given a two-match suspension following his red card at the end of the 3-2 win over Czech Republic.



The Turkish football federation has also been handed a �33,400 fine due to the "improper conduct of supporters, players and officials" during and after that game.


Turkey produced an astounding comeback to reach the quarter-finals in their final group game after the Czech Republic took a 2-0 lead.


But there was an unfortunate end to the game as Volkan pushed Czech striker Jan Koller to the ground, forcing Middlesbrough forward Tuncay Sanli to take over in goal for the final minutes.


Turkey held on to progress to the quarter-finals, but not without further incident - Volkan retired to the bench rather than the dressing room after his red card, approximately 25 unaccredited individuals made their way into the dressing room after the match, and some Turkish fans attempted a pitch invasion.


But while the federation is not expected to appeal the fine, Uefa should hear an appeal against Volkan's suspension on Thursday morning - one day before Turkey take on Croatia in the quarter-finals.


Turkey coach Fatih Terim has indicated that veteran goalkeeper Rustu Recber will play if the appeal is rejected.

Rustu Recber back in Turkey Goal

a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xKj6pEbDhUVd-GRy4Ql_VhHyJlulOStreKbfSpOoLTreB32n-v37hBq5lYoiWm-RTddH202ZmY6L-y04qRLslWGL8PuctnWJ4buxGwwoAYbeB0H8uJWBRPR6TBGaHH1CBRzjKn4jqYWa/s1600-h/RUSTU_RECBER_WITH_AHMET_TURGUT.jpg">
Veteran Turkish goalkeeper Rustu Recber is set to replace the suspended Volkan Demirel in goal for Turkey's Euro 2008 quarter-final against Croatia on Friday in Vienna, coach Fatih Terim revealed on Monday.

The 35-year-old Besiktas Keeper will win his 117th cap as Demirel has been suspended following his sending off in time added on of Turkey's epic come from behind 3-2 victory over Czech Republic in their final Group A match on Sunday, which saw the Turks progress at the expense of the Czechs to the last eight.

Rustu is one of the two surviving members of the Turkey side that reached the 2002 World Cup semi-finals.

It was also revealed on Monday that Turkish defender Emre Gungor is doubtful for the quarter-final, as the 23-year-old Galatasaray star suffered a calf injury during the Czech match.

There are doubts too over fellow defenders Servet Cetin and Gokhan Zan, who are also injured.

Turkish midfielder Mehmet Aurelio is definitely out as the 30-year-old Brazilian-born player picked up a second booking in the Czech match.

TURKISH GOALKEEPER VOLKAN BANNED FOR TWO GAMES

Turkey goalkeeper Volkan Demirel was banned for two matches Wednesday after being sent off against the Czech Republic last week at the European Championship.

Demirel will miss the quarterfinal game against Croatia on Friday at Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna. The goalkeeper was sent off in the final minute of Turkey's 3-2 win in Group A on Sunday in Geneva for knocking down striker Jan Koller. He then sat on the team's bench in breach of FIFA rules.

The Turkish football federation was also fined 44,000 Swiss francs (€27,000; US$42,000) for improper conduct of its fans, players and officials.

"The sanction of the 44,000 (fine) and the two-match suspension for the Turkey goalkeeper was linked to the fact that after getting a red card, he sat on the bench when he was supposed to be out of the technical area," UEFA spokesman William Gaillard said. "And we had some problems with some Turkish fans trying to enter the pitch, and also the presence of about 25 unaccredited people after the game in the Turkish dressing room."

Demirel and the federation have 24 hours to appeal the ban and fine.

TUMER METIN BACK BUT SERVET &EMRE QUESTIONABLE

Turkey midfielder Tumer Metin, who missed the dramatic 3-2 win over Czech Republic with a groin strain, resumed light training on Tuesday.

The slim possibility of Tumer's return for the quarter-final against Croatia in Vienna on Friday gave a boost to coach Fatih Terim whose team has been hit with injuries and suspensions.


'There is a tiny chance that Tumer will be fit, but I think he will probably miss the game,' said a team spokesman who on Monday told reporters Tumer would definitely miss the game.

However, captain Emre Belozoglu, who has a hamstring problem, and Servet Cetin did miss training in Krems.

'Both are still doubtful for the quarter-final and we don't know if they'll be able to make training tomorrow,' said the spokesman. The players were at the hotel having physiotherapy.

Emre Gungor, who was carried off in the second half of Sunday's thrilling Group A victory over the Czechs, has a calf strain and will miss the rest of the finals.

To add to Turkey's woes, goalkeeper Volkan Demirel is out of the quarter-final after being sent off for shoving forward Jan Koller in an off-the-ball incident in injury time.

Defensive midfielder Mehmet Aurelio is also suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament.

Source :Reuters

DOES FATIH TERIM NEED A BODY GUARD?

Fatih Terim, head coach of the national soccer team of Turkey, center, is escorted by his body guard, right, as he leaves a hotel following a press conference in Geneva, Switzerland, Monday, June 16, 2008. Turkey is in group A at the Euro 2008 European Soccer Championships in Austria and Switzerland.
(AP Photo)

PLEASE POST YOUR COMMENTS BELOW...IT IS IMPORTANT.....

TURKISH MEDIA GOES OVERBOARD WITH THE WIN

Turkish newspapers on Monday held little back in celebrating the Turkish national team's dramatic 3-2 victory over the Czech Republic at Euro 2008. "We kiss you for what you have taken," read the main headline of Hurriyet, Turkey's biggest selling newspaper.

"Turkey is drunk on victory... Again we have made it to Vienna" the paper said, referring to the site of its quarterfinal against Croatia and the 1529 Ottoman siege of Vienna.

Turkey rallied from 2-0 down to win the group A game in Geneva in the final 15 minutes.

"Check out", read the headline in Yeni Safak, one of many newspapers to play on the English and Turkish double meanings.

"The emperor's magic", Sabah newspaper said, referring to the nickname Turkish newspapers use for coach Fatih Terim.

Sabah said the victory was the most important in Terim's career, adding that he had been under severe pressure from football writers who had criticised his tactics in previous matches.

INJURIES AND SUSPENSIONS WILL BE PROBLEM

Turkey might be through to the quarter-finals at the European Football Championship but the team is not in great shape for their first playoff match against Croatia.

After amazing come from behind win over the Czech Republic in their final pool match yesterday, Turkey have seven players injured or suspended ahead of Saturday's quarter-final.

The central defender Emre Gungor might miss the rest of the championship because of a calf muscle injury, and their goalkeeper Volkan Demirel will miss the Croatia match after being sent off yesterday.

WE HAVE LOST DR.RENAN TURKMAN

http://www.rit.edu/kgcoe/ue/renan.php

Dear Friends, Sunday was first a joy with Turkish National team for me but, that joy turned around with a sad call, I received, from the nursing home, that Dr. Turkman was staying.

After five hours of battle , around 11:17 PM,ET. He said good bye to us.

Dr. Renan Turkman passed away. while the sky actually was crying with thundering while I was holding his hand...God bless Him.....Turkey And Humanity lost a great thinker and teacher...

I will miss him!......

He was my Best Friend......and he was Fenerbahce fan as "Kalamis Abi" on Antu.com Forums...

He was also ,member of the Fenerbahce soccer club.

'Turkey can go all the way to Euro final'

Turkey coach Fatih Terim said he wants his side to beat Croatia in Friday's Euro 2008 quarterfinal in Vienna and then go all the way to the final in the Austrian capital on June 29.

Turkey again showed why they are the come-back kings with a stunning late win over the Czech Republic on Sunday by turning a 2-0 deficit with 15 minutes left into a 3-2 win to reach the last eight as Group A runners-up.

Turkish captain Nihat Kahveci's brace with just minutes left in the winner-takes-all game booked a quarterfinal tie against Group B winners and Germany-slayers Croatia in Vienna.

And now Terim, wants to go all the way to the final.
"Croatia are a good side, they beat Germany, but we are a good team too and we will get better as each day passes," said Terim, whose side also stunned Switzerland last week 2-1 when they scored the winning goal in extra time.

"They have a young team, they play well, but as far as we are concerned we will go to Vienna and lets hope we stay there, it is winner takes all now.

"We respect all teams, but we fear no one."

Terim said his team's stunning late comeback against the Czechs was testament to their ability to fight until the end.

"I'm proud that I have players who know that the match ends with the referee's whistle," said the 54-year-old former AC Milan boss.

"We showed the whole world what kind of a team we are.

"We came here to play to the end. We're working to make that goal come true."

With the scores level on 2-2 with just over a minute remaining, the match looked set to be decided by an historic penalty shoot-out with both sides having identical records in the Group A table.

But Kahveci's winner sent Turkey into seventh heaven and broke Czech hearts.

"Just as we were preparing for penalty kicks I signalled to score a third goal if the chance came up and it worked," said Terim.

"In my career, I never ever thought of giving up on a game.

"I am a person who never loses hope I have seen many things happen in the last minutes of game, that is the beauty of football.

"I am aware of what our team can do and I think our team likes dramatic finishes, lets hope we can win matches a little sooner next time."<

FATIH TERIM:"MY PLAYERS MAKE ME PROUD"

Coach of Turkish National Soccer(football) Team,Fatih Terim was proud of his players as they hit back from two goals down to beat Czech Republic 3-2 to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament in spectacular fashion.

After Arda had pulled a goal back with 15 minutes left, a Petr Cech error allowed Nihat Kahveci to grab an 87th-minute equaliser before the 28-year-old Villarreal striker scored an amazing last-gasp winner.

An emotional Terim said after the comeback: "We've lifted a great burden off our shoulders. We had some injuries that we didn't expect. We had to manage.

"We're in the quarter-finals. Hopefully it'll get better now.

"I'm proud that I have players who know that the match ends with the referee's whistle.

"We showed the whole world what kind of a team we are. We came here to play to the end. We're working to make that goal come true.

"I send a message to my country and I say to the people 'get on the streets, celebrate this victory, profit from this moment'."

AMAZING VICTORY!....TURKS DID THE IMPOSSIBLE

Two goals in the last three minutes gave Turkey a remarkable 3-2 win over Czech Republic in a winner-take-all Euro 2008 thriller on Sunday, earning a quarter-final meeting with Croatia. The Czechs were 2-0 up but Turkey equalised in dramatic style with three minutes to go when keeper Petr Cech inexplicably dropped the ball for Nihat Kahveci to slide the ball into an empty net.
The Czechs looked home and dry in the 61st minute when Jaroslav Plasil added to Jan Koller's first-half opener to put his team 2-0 ahead.
But in an amazing end to the winner-takes-all match, Arda Turan halved the deficit in the 75th minute before Nihat came to the party.
The Turkey captain drew the sides level in the 86th minute when he took advantage of a ghastly error by Czech goalkeeper Petr Cech to poke home into an empty net.
And the Villarreal striker sparked delirium among the Turkish fans when he curled home an unstoppable winner with two minutes remaining.

There was still time for Turkey goalkeeper Volkan Demirel to receive his marching orders for an off-the-ball incident involving Koller, but his team held on to record their first win over the Czechs in 12 attempts. Group B winners Croatia now lie in wait for the Turks in Vienna on Friday.
A penalty shootout loomed if the match had ended as a draw after 90 minutes but it looked long odds against that prospect the way Turkey played in the first half.
They were dreadful and looked a team gripped by nerves as they failed to trouble Cech in the opening 45 minutes. The more experienced Czechs, semi-finalists at the Euros four years ago, looked assured from the off and should have been more than a goal ahead at the interval.

Koller, back in the starting line-up after being benched for the 3-1 defeat to Portugal, was at the hub of most of his team's attacks and he headed Marek Jankulovski's free-kick over the bar when well positioned in the 10th minute.
Turkey's Brazil-born midfielder Mehmet Aurelio had moments earlier picked up a booking which will rule him out of the quarter-final.
Marek Matejovsky, who was carried off on a stretcher in the 37th minute, drew a decent save out of Volkan while Servet Cetin made a great last-gasp clearance to prevent Koller scoring a simple tap-in. It was one-way traffic, the ever-dangerous Libor Sionko firing just over from the diagonal in the 25th minute as the nervous Turks continued to relinquish possession.
The goal the Czechs deserved came nine minutes later, Juventus full-back Grygera galloping down the right and crossing for Koller to power home a trademark header in emphatic style from eight yards out. That was his 55th international goal and the Nurnberg targetman, who will quit playing for his national team after the Euros, almost made it 56 when he nodded over another Jankulovski set-piece. The Turkey players trudged off heads down at the half-time whistle and would no doubt have been given the hairdryer treatment by coach Fatih Terim in the dressing room.

Terim replaced anonymous striker Semih Senturk with midfielder Sabri Sarioglu at the interval, and the change paid dividends as the Turks began the second half well under rainy skies.
Nihat volleyed over acrobatically two minutes in while Tuncay Sanli deflected a free-kick straight at Cech. The Czechs suddenly looked tentative but Plasil settled any nerves with their second just after the hour mark. Moments earlier, Koller had sidefooted wastefully wide with just Volkan to beat but Osasuna midfielder Plasil did much better when he got on the end of Sionko's right-wing cross to prod home at the far post. The goal initially took the wind out of Turkey's sails and midfielder Jan Polak almost made it 3-0 when he sidefooted Sionko's cross against the post from 10 yards.

But it was not all over. Arda set up a tense final 15 minutes when he slid home a low finish past Cech after pouncing on a Hamit Altintop centre.
And after Servet somehow headed wide from close range in the 81st minute, Cech spilled a deep cross from the right, allowing Nihat to force home the equaliser into an empty net with three minutes remaining. Worse was to come for Cech when barely a minute later, Nihat made the most of some dreadful defending to latch on to a through-ball and curl home a superb finish off the bar.

In the final few seconds, Volkan saw red for an incident involving Koller but Turkey held on for a dramatic victory.

FATIH TERIM HAS SEEN THE LIGHT!......

TERIM WILL MAKE THREE CHANGES IN THE LINE-UP AGAINST CHECK REPUBLIC

Stoburn Turkey coach Fatih Terim, finally has seen the light at the end of tunnel and is doing the correct think, in my opinion.

THIS IS THE WAY IT SHOULD HAD BEEN AGAINST PORTUGAL.....

Midfielder Mehmet Topal would replace Tumer Metin would Emre Gungor will start in central defence alongside Servet Cetin instead of Emre Asik, Terim said at a news conference at the Stade de Geneve.

Semih Senturk, who scored the equaliser in Turkey's 2-1 win over co-hosts Switzerland on Wednesday, would partner Nihat Kahveci in a two-pronged attack as midfielder Gokdeniz Karadeniz drops to the bench, Terim added.

And, Tuncay Sanli will move to midfield.

Some rain is forecast for Sunday and Terim said he hoped there would not be a repeat of the torrential downpour that made the Basel pitch almost unplayable on Wednesday for Turkey's match with Switzerland.

'Slippery turf is not always a bad thing as it can give you more pace,' he said. 'We will just have to try to adapt.'

FATIH TERIM: WE AREN'T THINKING ABOUT THE PENALTY KICKS"

Fatih Terim says his side have not practised taking penalties even though Sunday night's winner-takes-all clash against the Czech Republic could be decided by a historic shoot-out.

Both Turkey and the Czechs have identical records in Group A and should the scores be locked after 90 minutes here, the match will be decided by penalties with no extra-time played.

Even though this is both side's final pool game, the knock-out phase has arrived early and while the winners will go onto a quarter-final berth, the losers pack up and go home.

“We have not practised for penalty kicks,” was the surprise answer given by the Turkish coach when asked if his side have taken precautions.

“We want to have done enough to win this game over 90 minutes, but if the occasion arises, my players will do what they have to do.”

Having come from behind to beat co-hosts Switzerland 2-1 last Wednesday in Basel, after the first-half was blighted by torrential rain, Terim said he is hoping for drier conditions.

“The one thing I would like to change from the last match is the rain, I hope we won't have the same conditions as it gets very hard when it rains so heavily,” he said.

“Our team is perhaps not very experienced in these kind of championships, but a hunger to do well is also important.

“We had to beat Switzerland and we did that, now we must do the same.

“We are used to playing under pressure.”

Terim said he was disappointed with the Turkish media in the build-up to the game, who, he says, have falsely reported a row between him and Turkish Football Federation president Hasan Gogan last week.

And Terim said some reports claiming the squad are on a special bonus were also false.

“We see some false reports, there are some reports which make me feel sad and in fact there are more of these reports going on now,” he said.

“It is hard to understand why there is so much criticism going on in Turkey.

“There are reports that I had a fight with the president of the Turkish Football Federation, but that is false and he put a statement on the website saying so.

“Now there are stories saying we will get special bonuses, but nobody has ever said anything about this from our squad.

“Why are we talking about these things less than 24 hours before such an important match?

“I am not happy about this and it is something we will look at when we get back to Istanbul.”

History of fixtures between the two sides favours the Czechs, who have won three of the four meetings between the sides with one draw, but Terim says records are made to be broken.

“I have checked the statistics and generally the Czechs have always been more successful than us in meetings.

“We know the Czechs are very good on penalties, but perhaps the time has come for their luck to change.”

FATIH TERIM: "ARDA COULD BE BETTER!"

TURKKEY'S NEW "WONDERKID"......ARDA TURAN.........




Fatih Terim has hailed the new "Wonderboy of Turkey" Arda Turan as a potential world-beater after the midfielder's stoppage time winner ended Switzerland's involvement in UEFA EURO 2008.

The Galatasaray star capped a man-of-the-match display with a dramatic late strike to seal Wednesday night's 2-1 win at St Jakob-Park and Fatih revealed afterwards that he had long anticipated that the 21-year-old would thrive on football's biggest stages.

"I know him from my time at Galatasaray. He's one of my old students if I can put it like that," Fatih said.

"If anything I had expected him to progress more than he has done. He is very talented but he needs to continue to improve his stamina. If he can do that, I think he can be one of the most important players in Europe."

TERIM also paid tribute to Semih Senturk, whose introduction as part of a double substitution at half-time paid off when he headed in to cancel out Hakan Yakin's opener for the Swiss.

"The substitutions were successful. Semih is a goalscorer, that's what we expect him to do and he did not let us down. You know when he comes on he will make something happen."

Just as it seemed the co-hosts had done enough to stay alive in the competition, Arda broke clear on the left, cut inside and beat goalkeeper Diego Benaglio from the edge of the area with the help of a deflection off the boot of centreback Patrick Muller.

It was cruel for the Swiss, who were left to count the cost of failing to take the chances they had to kill off the Turks long before the dramatic denouement of a match that came close to being abandoned after a torrential downpour left the players slithering about dangerously in the first half.

"It is a wonderful feeling," Terim admitted. "The players needed this for their confidence and I congratulate them on their incredible effort."

TURKEY'S LAST MATCH COULD GO TO PENALTIES!

Turkey's soccer team poses together on the pitch before their Group A Euro 2008 soccer match against Switzerland at St Jakob Park in Basel, June 11, 2008. Back row from L-R: Emre Asik, Mehmet Aurelio, Hakan Baltai, Servet Cetin and Volkan Demirel. Front row, from L-R: Hamit Altintop,Arda Turan, Nihat Kahveci, Tuncay Sanli, Tumer Metin and Gokdeniz Karadeniz. (REUTERS)

Goalkeeper Volkan Demirel may have an important job to do on Sunday.....

If Turkey and the Czech Republic draw their final Group A match in Geneva on Sunday, second place and a quarter-final berth will be decided on penalties.

The Czech Republic lost 3-1 to Portugal on Wednesday evening and then Turkey beat Switzerland 2-1 – both after added-time goals. That leaves the Czech Republic and Turkey level on points, goal difference and goals scored, and according to Article 7.08 in the official 2008 UEFA European Championship regulations, in that instance, if the two equal teams are playing in the last game, their match is decided by spot-kicks after 90 minutes should it finish level.


WHAT UEFA REGULATIONS SAY?...

Article 7.08 reads: "If two teams which have the same number of points, the same number of goals scored and conceded play their last group match against each other and are still equal at the end of that match, the ranking of the two teams in question will be determined by kicks from the penalty mark, provided no other teams within the group have the same number of points on completion of all group matches." The full regulations can be read by clicking here. Whoever finishes second in Group A will play the winners of Group B in Vienna on 20 June. Portugal, as Group A winners, face the Group B runners-up in Basel the night before.

Galatasaray signs German coach Skibbe

Galatasaray had signed with the former Bayer Leverkusen coach Michael Skibbe, the club said on its website late Wednesday. Skibbe, who signed a one-year contract with an option for another year, became the 51st coach of the club.


The 42-year-old new coach will replace his veteran compatriot Karl-Heinz Feldkamp, who resigned in April citing disagreements with the management. The Skibbe-led Bayer Leverkusen eliminated Galatasaray in the UEFA Cup in 2008.

Born in 1942, Skibbe played for SG Wattenscheid 09 in his youth, and then switched to the professional team of Schalke 04. From 1984 to 1986, he appeared in 14 Bundesliga-games, but then he tore his cruciate ligament three times that forced him to end his playing career.

At the age of 22, he started his career as coach with Schalke 04 youth team. In 1989, he became the youth coach for Borussia Dortmund, where he became head coach in 1998, thus becoming the youngest head coach in the Bundesliga of all time at the age of 32.

He gave up this post after being offered the position as director of the German national team. In 2000, he became its head coach. And in 2005, he signed with Bayer Leverkusen which finished 7th in the German Bundesliga 2007-2008.

THRILL OF VICTORY!.....TURKEY KNOCK SWISS

Turkish goalkeeper Volkan Demirel(L) catches the ball on the water-logged pitch during their Euro 2008 Championships Group A football match vs Switzerland in Basel, Switzerland. Turkey won 2-1


This is the football(soccer), that a lot of Turkish Fans were waiting from our National team.

Well, I tell you watching the match on ESPN2 , second half was delightfull!......

Arda Turan's last minute goal was thrill of victory!...

Turkey beat Swiss team 2-1 and stayed live at this tournament....

The Work is not done just yet!....

We have to beat Check Repuplic on Sunday!...

This was a proud day for Turkish Soccer(Football) around the world!...

Kudos to Fatih Terim and his Boys!.....

And Special Kudos to Keeper Volkan Demirel....he save the day on a brake away before Arda's goal....He is my player of the match....

Turkey scored a stoppage time goal to beat Switzerland 2-1 on Wednesday and knock the co-hosts out of Euro 2008.

Turkey scored with a strike from Arda Turan deep into four minutes of time added on to end Switzerland's hopes in a match hampered by severe weather conditions.

Torrential rain reduced the pitch to a quagmire and the match was already something of a farce when Hakan Yakin put the Swiss ahead in the 32nd minute after the ball stopped dead in a puddle in the Turkish goalmouth.

Turkey came back and grabbed an equaliser through Semih Senturk in the 57th minute.

Portugal lead Group A with six points from Czech Republic and Turkey on three with the Swiss bottom with no points.

TURKEY'S STARTING ELEVEN AGAINTS SWISS

Turkey ' s head coach Fatih Terim sits on the bench during a training session for the Euro 2008 soccer tournament at St. Jakob-Park stadium in Basel …


The starting line-up; Volkan, Hamit-Servet-Emre Asik-Hakan, Gokdeniz-Aurelio-Tumer-Arda, Tuncay-Nihat

TURKEY MATCH ON ESPN2

Switzerland v Turkey Match will be broadcast Live in the United States and Canada on ESPN2 TV .....YOU COULD ALSO WATCH THE MATCH LIVE ON ESPN360 ON LINE FREE IF YOUR INTERNET PROVIDER OFFERS THE SERVICE....

Switzerland v Turkey....Live Gamecast....

ANOTHER BLOW TO FATIH TERIM!..EMRE IS OUT

Fatih Terim, was going against all odds!.... He called up Emre to the National duty, when he was not even making the team, on his Newcastle team!...

Work out after work out and plus American Trainer Scott Piri's wok outs really killed out of shape Emre....

The midfielder pulled up with a hamstring problem during training and will miss the crucial Group A encounter at Basel's St Jakob-Park Stadium.

"Unfortunately, Emre is not going to play tomorrow," said Turkey coach Fatih Terim ahead of the game at Basel's St Jakob-Park Stadium. "He had an MRI and results have shown that there's an edema of two to three centimetres.

"Not having Emre is a problem for us because his role is not that simple to cover by another player. But then again Switzerland will not have their injured captain Alexander Frei."

Fatih Terim will be sweating more if two defender will not be ready... defensive duo Servet Cetin and Gokhan Zan, who will be given until the last minute to prove their fitness.

Chelsea target Zico

Fenerbahce coach Zico has emerged as a strong candidate to become Chelsea's new manager after he parted ways with Turkish side Fenerbahce.


The 55-year-old has been linked with the post in the past, but the fact he has now departed Fenerbahce after failing to come to an agreement over a new contract, has thrust him back among the frontrunners for the Stamford Bridge hot seat.

Zico leaves Fenerbahce

Fenerbahce are to sign a new coach after failing to reach a deal with Brazilian Zico, the club's chairman was reported as saying on Tuesday.

"We've parted ways with Zico. We know who the new coach is. We will sign an agreement in Istanbul next week," Aziz Yildirim was quoted as saying by Turkish news broadcaster NTV.

Zico led the Istanbul club to the Champions League quarter-finals this season but lost out to city rivals Galatasaray in the domestic title race.

In recent weeks Turkish media have reported disagreements over a new contract for Zico, who had already signalled that he planned to leave.

The former Brazilian international came to Fenerbahce in July 2006 after coaching the Japanese national team.
Source:Reuters

A MUST-WIN FOR FATIH TERIM

Three years after ugly brawl,Fatih Terim's Turkey National Team will face Switzerland again.
This time in the UEFA's Euro 2008 tournament and their home turf.
And in a must-win match,again!......

In an interview with The Associated Press, Turkey coach Fatih Terim said last month that he was sorry about what happened. He added that the episode was now history and should not affect how Turkey is treated in Basel.

"What happens in football, stays in football," Terim said.

The pressure will be on both Switzerland and Turkey when they meet Wednesday in the European Championship.

A loss against Switzerland could be the end of Terim Era! ......

The earlier match on Wednesday between Portugal and Check Republic, if ends in draw , it will make very difficult for Terim's Turkey to go on to next round...

Portugal and Check Republic will have four points. That's why Portugal has to beat Check Republic to make a way for Turkey or Switzerland.

Terim's heart and soul, will be at this match, before the Switzerland clash!...

Terim's Turkey, definitely needs help from Portugal, this time!.....

Switzerland will be without the 28-year-old Frei, but striker Marco Streller is expected to play despite re-aggravating a groin injury in the 1-0 loss to the Czech Republic. Should Streller fail to recover, Switzerland would be left with two Turkish decent 19-year-old Eren Derdiyok and creative forward Hakan Yakin as the only attacking options.

For Terim's Turkey, Central defenders Gokhan Zan and Servet Cetin were injured for the team's 2-0 loss to Portugal, and both are doubts for Wednesday. Midfielder Hamit Altintop is also below full fitness, and it's unclear if he can last the full 90 minutes.

Terim will have to find a formula for success.

"Our second game will be almost a final," Terim said.

Gokhan out of Swiss Match!.....

Turkish National Team defender Gokhan Zan will miss Euro 2008 Group A clash with Switzerland.


The Besiktas star sustained the injury in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Portugal, with the full extent of the problem being revealed in a scan he underwent 24 hours later.



Medical staff are doing all they can to get him fit in time for Sunday's clash with Czech Republic, but concede that even that may come too soon.



Fatih Terim's plans will be further hindered by the news that Gokhan's partner at the heart of the defence, Servet Cetin, is also a doubt heading into the midweek clash with the Swiss.

Servet is also struggling with a knee complaint, while he still requires treatment on a broken tooth suffered against Portugal.



TERIM: WE MADE MISTAKES IN THE FIRST MATCH!..... NOW, WE HAVE TO WIN AGAINST SWISS


Fatih Terim accepted that his side had made costly mistakes in their 2-0 defeat to Portugal in their opening game at the Euro 2008 finals.

Terim said , the first goal from Pepe was the turning point in the game after Turkey had started to get a foothold in the contest.

"The first half was quite even and although Portugal had more possession, we didn't give them any real scoring opportunities.



"In the second half, just as we were trying to establish a footing, we conceded a goal we shouldn't have. We had defenders injured - Servet Cetin was running but injured - and there was a problem with concentration. It was unfortunate the way the goal was scored - we lost the ball and it came back at us.

"We were starting to establish some control and doing well in possession when we conceded the opening goal."



The loss to one of the tournament favourites leaves Terim's Turkey facing a must-win clash with co-hosts Switzerland, who were beaten 1-0 by the Czech Republic.

Terim said: "The Swiss match in Basel is obviously very important for us now.

"We will correct our mistakes and play better. There were times when I liked the way we played, but at other times there was obvious room for improvement.



"We tried to attack and keep the match on an equal footing and I think we achieved that initially. But the first goal was the turning point."



Coach Fatih Terim is confident Turkey will avoid a repeat of their opening-match errors when they meet Euro 2008 co-hosts Switzerland on Wednesday.