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.