Yet Germany is a team not known for putting their heads down. Despite looking vulnerable, they again came forward. In the 90th minute, Lahm rounded Kazim Richards in the second third of the pitch. Richards slipped, and unable to chase back, there was suddenly a gaping hole in the Turkish defence. A quick interchange of passes with Hitzlsperger found the German full back in on goal. He must be credited with keeping his nerve and showing courage. He rifled the ball into the top left corner of the net and so sealed the match for Germany.

Anything but convincing from Germany. The famous self-discipline of their national side at times looked to be missing. They were shaky in defence, and too often were pulled out of shape by a team, who already the underdog, were playing with what amounted to a reserve side. Great credit must go to the Turks for their verve, their willingness to go forward and their incredible team spirit. They were unlucky, yet they should know that German sides no matter how under-par are famed for getting the result.

Whoever plays Germany in Sunday’s final, must consider them a team far from perfect. Their status as favourites must be attributed in part to the momentum of past victories . It is a truism in football that, ‘you never write-off the Germans’. Yet on this showing the managers of their prospective opponents have plenty to work with. The cracks in the wall are there to be seen. And for the neutral, that must give at least some hope that it will not be Michael Ballack lifting the trophy above his head when the final whistle is blown on Sunday.