Friday, June 20, 2008

Turkish Delight

If you are a Turkish fan tonight I am sure you will be full of delight as the national team pulled off a sweet result in Vienna. Croatia looked the better side over 90 minutes and came closest to scoring but with the game deadlocked it carried over into extra time. Turkey had absorbed the pressure over the duration of normal play, in extra time looking the better team until Croatia found the back of the net through Klasnic in the final minute. You just can't write the Turks off though as the Czech Republic found out in the last game. In the second minute of injury time the ball found it's way to Semih Senturk and his deflected shot went in and took the game to penalties!

Croatian manager Bilic was fuming as the final whistle was blown with the goal being the last kick of the game. Turkey had the momentum now and Croatia looked totally crushed and unable to pick themselves up for the shoot out. They scored just one of their penalties as Arda Turan, Semih and Altintop all converted to take Turkey into the Semi Final where they will meet a Germany side who are looking strong in the competition now. Should be a great match, can't wait!!