Germany denied Turkey the chance to be dubbed the comeback kings once again as they emerged winners from Wednesday's EURO 2008 semi-final. Turkey lived up to their reputation of having a never-say-die attitude when Semih Senturk made it 2-2 against Germany with four minutes to go. But Philipp Lahm ensured the three-time European champions won't suffer an embarrassing exit when he netted the invaluable winner in stoppage time. Despite having a heavily depleted squad, Turkey took the initiative through Ugur Boral midway through the first half. Bastian Schweinsteiger equalized for Germany shortly after and Miroslav Klose put them ahead in the 79th minute. Germany survived a late Turkey comeback, a usual one, to reach the final, where they will meet the winner's of Thursday's semi-final between Spain and Russia. Surprising Start Against all expectations, Turkey dominated the early stages of the game and threatened Jens Lehmann on several occasions. After 12 minutes, Colin Kazim-Richards rattled the crossbar with a thunderous right-footed shot after being set up by Ayhan Akman's low cross from the right. Turkey's numerous raids towards goal were orchestrated by lively midfielder Hamit Altintop. Fatih Terim's men deservedly went ahead in the 22nd minute to stun the Germans. Kazim-Richard's half-volley from a right-wing cross struck the bar and fell to Boral, whose close-range shot went through Lehmann's legs and into the net.
Turkey laid siege to Germany's area, but the attacking approach led to their defense being exposed. Schweinsteiger brought Germany level in the 26th minute after rounding off a swift counter attack, which involved the in-form Lukas Podolski. Podolski darted down the left flank before providing a low cross to Schweinsteiger, who neatly flicked the ball home with the outside of his right foot. Thrilling Half Dreadful errors from both keepers were the highlight of a thrilling second half. Klose put Germany in front in the 79th minute when he took advantage of a mis-timed jump from Turkey keeper Rustu Recber to head home Lahm's in-swinging cross. Turkey never gave up, an attitude that has become a trait of their players throughout the hugely exciting tournament. Senturk, who rescued Turkey on a couple of occasions before, grabbed the equalizer four minutes from time. Impressive full-back Sabri Sarioglu got the better of Lahm on the right before crossing to Senturk, who got ahead of Lehmann at the near post to slot home. Lahm atoned for his mistake in a superb fashion. In stoppage time, he exchanged passes with Thomas Hitzlsperger and burst into the area before firing into the roof of the net to send the Germans into ecstasy.
