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Germans and Turks ready for Euro 2008 showdown

25/06/2008

Fans of Germany and Turkey are gathering in Basel today ahead of the first semi-final at the 2008 European Championships.

Fan parks in the city are preparing for a massive influx of supporters keen to soak up the atmosphere ahead of this evening's match, which will decide the first of the two finalists at the tournament.

A host of local Swiss fans, plus ticketless Turks and Germans, are expected to gather in the city centre throughout the day.

Germany earned their place in the last-four courtesy of a well-deserved 3-2 quarter-final victory over much-fancied Portugal last Thursday.

And Turkey joined the Germans in the semi-finals after beating Croatia on penalties in their last-eight match on Friday.

That game was notable for the fact that both goals in the 1-1 draw came in the final two minutes of extra time, following a goalless 90 minutes.

The second semi-final takes place tomorrow evening between surprise package Russia and another of the tournament favourites, Spain.