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Late Lahm strike puts Germany into Euro final

26/06/2008

Germany are into the final of Euro 2008 after Philipp Lahm struck the winning goal in the 90th minute to defeat Turkey 3-2.

The full-back scored a magnificent goal to end Turkey's dream run in the tournament at the semi-final stage. It was ironic that the side that had benefited from so many late goals were denied themselves by a 90th minute strike.

The game looked to be heading into extra-time before Lahm broke forward, beating his marker, he played a neat one-two with Thomas Hitzlsperger before blasting the ball into the roof of the net.

Lahm's strike ended a frenetic final ten minutes of the match when three goals were scored in a semi-final which ebbed and flowed throughout.

Earlier, Ugur Boral put Turkey into the lead when he pounced on a rebound inside the German box. Colin Kazim Richards' shot came back off the bar and with Jens Lehmann out of position Boral was able to poke the ball into the empty net.

However, Turkey have only been ahead during the championships for nine minutes and their lead did not last long.

Five minutes after falling behind Lukas Podolski found himself in space on the left hand side after latching on to a long ball. He found Bastian Schweinsteiger who lifted a shot over Rustu Recber to level things.

Hamit Altintop and Boral forced Lehmann into saves before a frantic first half ended, while Podolski could have added a second for Germany.

Both sides continued to attack after half time with Lahm unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when Sabri Sarioglu clattered in to him on the edge of the box.

Germany created the better chances but both Michael Ballack and Hitzlsberger wasted their opportunities by shooting high and wide.

But Joachim Low's side eventually gained reward for their commitment to attacking play when Miroslav Klose beat Rustu to a cross and headed his side in front.

But not for the first time in the tournament Turkey conjured an instant response. With four minutes left in the match Semih Senturk beat Lehman to a cross at the near post and his deft flick made it 2-2.

But Turkey's delight was soon turned to misery as Lahm danced through their defence to put Germany into their sixth European Championship final.