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."