The Turks advanced to the semifinals of Euro 2008 with a dramatic 3-1 shootout victory over Croatia in Vienna, Austria, following a 1-1 draw through injury time. They fought hard to score a goal in injury time that forced extra time that they then dominated.
For Turkey, who entered the tournament as underdogs, this win exposed to the world an attribute that was hardly known about them, which is mental fortitude! They are a close match to the traditional German “no surrender mentality” that has characterized the successful German teams of the past.
According to the Turkish coach, Fatih Terim, "I tell my players never to give up," . Indeed, Turkey never gave up when they were trailing the Czech Republic. They scored two late goals to beat the Czech Republic and qualify for the quarterfinals. In the penalty shoot out, Turkey made their first three shots, and goalkeeper Rustu Recber dived left to save a penalty shot from Mladen Petric to clinch it for his country.
This was an extra ordinary performance for the Turkeys who have never quite excelled in European Competitions. This is another wonderful opportunity for Turkey to advance to the final of a major championship as they tried unsuccessfully in the 2002 World Cup when they lost in the Semi Finals to Brazil the eventual winners. Thus as Turkey next faces Germany on Wednesday in Basel, Switzerland, the neutrals are hoping that they still have the inspiration to overcome the German team.
