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