It was so nearly the outcome many hoped for. A Turkish team, weakened by injury and suspension took on the mighty Germans in the first of the Euro 2008 semi-finals. They almost pulled off a magnificent result.

Germany do suffer from the perception that though a footballing nation of the highest pedigree they lack the romance and elegance of say the Portuguese or Spanish. Consequently they are rarely the neutral’s favourite. But Wednesday night in Basel, they looked unconvincing and leaden and were lucky to snatch victory in what was an enthralling game. Ironic, too, that fullback Philippe Lahm (who had a torrid evening in defence) should have been the hero in the 90th minute.

It started well for the Turks, as they were quick to attack and showed they were determined to take the game to Germany. In the 22nd minute, Kazim Richards hooked a low cross upwards against the bar and Ugur Boral jumped on the deflection and scrambled the ball under a sprawling Lehman. Four minutes later, Germany responded with trademark efficiency. Lukas Podolski sped down the left flank, crossed to the incoming Bastian Schweinsteiger who then neatly turned the ball passed the stretching Turkish keeper.

Turkey remained adventurous. Increasingly, it was Germany who seemed on be the back foot and struggling to stay in the match. Despite the occasional foray by Podolski, they lacked penetration and were struggling to assert themselves in the centre of the pitch. Not even the substitution of Frings for Rolfes at half time could give them the drive or momentum they needed. It took a mistake from the veteran Turkish keeper Rustu in the 79th minute to put Germany back in it. Coming for a Lahm cross that was speculative at best, he misjudged it and Miroslav Klose, who needs no invitation in such situations, headed firmly into the net. But the Turks have not been named the ‘come-back-kings’ for nothing in this tournament. Seven minutes later, Sabri pushed the ball through Lahm’s legs on the right flank, rounded him, and from close to the line fired in a low cross. Semih, the hero of the Croatian tie, nipped forward and deftly flicked it past a rather hapless looking Lehman. It was tied and extra-time looked a certainty.