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