Euro 2008
Euro 2008 Team Review: Turkey
A look back at Turkey's epic Euro 2008 as they reached the last four and a place in every supporter's hearts.
How did they do? In reaching the semi-finals, Turkey progressed further in the tournament than their wildest dreams could have taken them. Thrilling to watch, passionate in their performances and so unlucky not to emulate their great rivals Greece, Turkey were the favourite team of all neutrals. Defeat to Germany in their last four clash was harsh and undeserved - especially when they had so few available players - but the team returned heroes six years after finishing third at the World Cup in Japan/South Korea.
High Turkey´s high is difficult to select, simply because there were so many. Tangible highs also - all their games had goals in the final minutes, but perhaps the greatest moment was against Czech Republic. Needing to win to progress into the quarter-finals, they were 2-0 down with 15 minutes to go. The Czechs were cruising but after Turkey pulled one back, nerves started to show and when Petr Cech dropped a rudimentary cross, Nihat pounced to equalise with three minutes left, and from then on only one side was going to triumph. And with a minute remaining, Nihat broke the offside trap and scored a wonderful goal to win the game - thus sending the Turkish supporters into ecstasy.
Low Defeat at the hands of Germany was heart-breaking. With Fatih Terim left with barely eleven fit players to chose from - injuries and suspensions costing Turkey almost half their squad - the Turks were heavy underdogs. However, they were the better side throughout and outplayed their opponents. But Germany, fortuitously, stole the victory in added time to leave erim’s men crushed after a fantastic tournament.
Coach Fatih Terim is a very likeable man, sincere and friendly. He proved his credentials at the tournament by inspiring his players to never give up and to believe that they were capable of matching the best sides in the competition. Six years after a third-placed finish at World Cup 2002, the country was once again proud of their football team and Terim, naturally, became a national hero, his contract extended until 2012.
Key player The input of Arda Turan was crucial. The Turkey team’s playboy, he scored twice and was a constant presence up front, always causing confusion in opposition defences. A move to a major European club appears imminent, but he is still just 21 and has plenty of time to make his mark. Arda has talent in abundance, and is Turkey’s future.
What next? Can Turkey build on their success? They failed after 2002, but their squad is extremely strong and resilient - these attributes displayed brilliantly in Austria and Switzerland. Significantly, the inspiration behind this latest success, coach Fatih Terim, is staying on for another four years. Continuity can only be good for the national side. Spain and Belgium join them in Group 5 of World Cup qualifying, meaning a play-off might be needed if the impressive Turks are to star in South Africa.
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