By Matthew Day ⋅ June 21, 2008 ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

Euro 2008, euro2008featured

Turkey players celebrate their late equaliser against Croatia

Yet to select an adopted nation? Turkey is the recommended choice on the menu: packed with flavour, utterly fulfilling and leaves a wonderful aftertaste.

The thrilling progress of Fatih Terim’s side has been the story of these Euros, another underdog in the mould of fierce rivals Greece but with a preference to come from behind rather than scoring one and holding on. For Terim’s health, the latter might be advisable.

Turkey have led in their four matches for a grand total of seven minutes, yet find themselves in the last four, 90 minutes from a quite unbelievable appearance in the final. No doubt that Turkey must be the laziest side to ever have reached the semi-finals, repetitively waiting until falling behind before raising their game - but always managing to pull it off in spite of time constraints.

There have been six goals in the final minutes of Turkey’s matches, from a total of 12. Portugal scored late to seal an easy opening 2-0 victory, but it was Turkey’s turn against Switzerland with Turan’s late winner and again in the epic with Czech Republic, captain fantastic Nihat netting twice in the 87th and 89th minutes to turn the best game of Euro 2008 on its head.

Latterly versus Croatia, after a defensive and tedious two hours, the game came to life after 35-year-old reserve goalkeeper Rüştü Reçber was left stranded out of his goal and Modric crossed for Klasnic to head in. The Croatian bench ran onto the field in euphoric celebration - with one minute of additional time to play, Turkey had left it too late this time around.

The Turkish end fell to silence for the first time and their romantic run was at an end.

But rather than working out their exit strategy from the stadium, the Turkish players fought on. Pledging as many men into the opposition penalty box as at any time during the entire evening, Rüştü’s long free-kick caused havoc and the ball fell to Senturk who, with the aid of a deflection, struck the ball into the top left-hand corner. Cue scenes of delirium as the Turkish bench ran onto the field as if it had been the winning goal. So incredible that it was, in fact, credible. They had done it all before and that made the feat seem less fantastic, but in context, Turkey’s route to the penultimate stage will be seen as nothing short of phenomenal.

Rüştü’s redemption arrived in a penalty shoot-out that was only going to be won by one side, and he may yet be in goal for the semi against Germany. Turkey will have four players suspended and injuries will have to be contended with, leaving them low on high quality players and struggling just to fill their bench. Vast talent or great technical ability didn’t guide Turkey through, however, rather determination, grit and heart.

It may not be enough to overcome tournament favourites Germany, but Turkey’s status as underdogs who basked in their lowly rank is assured and their achievements will be remembered long into the future. The elite have dominated the Euros thus far, but Turkey have provided the fairytale in an already sizzling tournament.

Arsène Wenger believes this has been the best European Championship ever. And Turkey are the team of these championships, offering scintillating entertainment and pushing every supporter to the edge of their seat. A team any fan can happily adopt.

Tags: Croatia, Euro 2008, Germany, Terim Fatih, Turkey

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