On the second half, Batuhan Karadeniz was substitued off for Nuri Sahin after he dislocated his arm. Turkey were pressing and there was a scare for the Bosnians as a scuffle on the line ended with Arda Turans misplaced volley landed on the Bosnians arm but the referee did not see it. The breakthrough for Turkey finally came in the 51st minute when Sabri Sarioglu’s free kick cross was accidently headed in by Dzeko. Turkey continued to press and was eventually awarded another long range freekick, Sabri Sarioglu crossed the ball again and was headed by Servet Cetin, the keeper saved the shot but was rebounded and Mevlut headed the ball into a open goal, his first for his country. Ayhan Akman came off for Halil Altintop and it was a good substitute as Halil had quick fire shots but Kenin Hasagic proved to be a worthy goalkeeper saving all his shots.
Player Ratings-
Turkey

Volkan 5.5 -
He only had like 1 shot on target to deal with and he conceded.

Sabri Sarioglu 8.5 -
He proved to be the nights hero as he assisted with both free kicks and contributed to attacking play.

Ibrahim Kas 7.0 -
He didnt let a soul past him, he played well not giving anyone space.

Servet Cetin 6.0 -
He sometimes went astray and lost the ball in various occasions but did defend well and he also assisted Mevlut

Hakan Balta 5.5 -
He lost the ball alot and didnt really defend well he also didnt attack

Arda Turan 5.0 -
He was attacking but kept getting dispossesed, he didnt play well.

Mehmet Aurelio 6.0 -
He defended well didnt really attack much.

Kazim Kazim 6.5 -
He attacked well, also having a few pops on goal.

Nuri Sahin 6.0 -
He played ok, didnt really have alot to do.

Ayhan Akman
He played awful, he lost the ball alot and didnt contribute to anything, he was later subbed for Halil.

Mevlut 5.5 -
Although he scored, he missed so many chances.

Halil Altintop 7.0 -
He attacked alot and had successive shots on goal but the keeper appeared to be a worthy opponent.

Yusuf Simsek N/A -
He came on too late to give him a rating.

Batuhan Karadeniz N/A -
He dislocated his arm and was subbed early.

Turkeys Goals

The second half began and turkey were rejuvenated.Kazim Kazim came on for Mevlut and was energetic going forward an amazing performance from him from the moment he was on the pitch untill the very end. Emre crossed the ball into the box and the Armenian defender headed it back and Kazim got the ball. I think you all know what happens next . Kazim passed the ball and Tuncay Şanli fired home with a close range shot. In the next few minutes Turkey was given a freekick on the side of the box, Arda fired a powerful curling shot and narrowly missed the goal. It was obvious that Turkey wasnt settling for 1-0 as predicted by Goal.com. In the 79th minute Turkey recieved a corner, Mehmet Aurelio headed the ball back to Semih who was brilliantly positioned and concentrating he touched the ball with his left foot and the keeper watched the ball hit the net. There werent many attacks by Armenia at this point. Turkey carried on attacking and got on a counter-attack. Ayhan Akman decided to go solo and blasted the ball at goal but was denied by the goal keeper a bad decision in my opionion as 3 other turkish players were waiting in the box.

Turkey are now top of group 5 with 3 points

Germany-Turkey: 2-3
Stadium: St. Jakob Park
Referees: Massimo Busacca, Matthias Arnet, Stéphane Cuhat – Peter Fröjdfeldt

Goals: Uğur Boral (min. 22), Sweinsteiger (min. 25) Klose (min.79) Semih (min.86) Lahm (min.90)
Yellow Card: Semih (Turkey)

The match was entirely in our favor. We had 11 shots to the Germans 3. Of our 11 shots, 2 were converted to goals while every one of Germany’s shots were goals. In terms of gameplay our players completely outplayed the Germans. What makes all of this so special is that the German national team was filled with great superstars; Klose, Ballack, Metzelder, etc. However most of our players were players who were reserve and backup players for the national team.

The one thing that the Germans did not reckon that they would be dealing with is that legendary “hirs“, that Turkish desire to get out there and play passionate football to win. That was the reason why we kept making great comebacks throughout this tournament. Indeed that desire was shown by the fragments of the team against Germany.

And yet it just wasn’t enough. It just wasn’t enough. Even when our depleted team showed all their desire and played much better than the Germans, we just couldn’t beat them and instead got a taste of our own medicine. I cant blame us for losing. Maybe if Servet was healthy enough to play in Mehmet Topal’s place, then Schweinsteiger might not have been able to bypass two defenders to score the goal. Maybe Arda was not banned from the match, he might have saved the team again. Maybe Maybe Maybe.

I wish to say this flat-out, If we had a full squad like the Germans, we would have without a doubt beat the Germans and would have gone on to win the cup. I fully believe this with all my heart. Thanks a lot UEFA and your bullshit referees as well as the federation and their bullshit physiotherpaists and trainers.

Either way, we have got to be proud of what we have done. Fatih Terim had said before the tournament that his main goal was to show the world that Turkish football is still alive and well. If that’s our goal, then we have definitly won the cup.

All the best to the Germans from here on out.

Turkey: 3 Czech Republic: 2

Yellow Cards: min. 6 Mehmet Topal, min. 10 Aurelio, min. 73 Emre Aşık (Turkey), min. 76 Galasek, min. 90 Ujfalusi (Czech Republic)
Red Card: min. 90 Volkan (Turkey)

In stark contrast to the Swiss match, we started the match in a very lack-luster way. The Czech’s dominated game play, posession was almost entirely in their hands and one couldn’t help but notice the number of fouls that we were conceding. Indeed one of these fouls were punished by a yellow card to Mehmet Topal in the 6th minute. Aurelio saw a pointless yellow card only 5 minutes later for dissent. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Please just shut the hell up. Why would you go and ask for a yellow card like that?

For the next twenty minutes, Turkey seemed to consolidate and began to take shots on the Czech goal courtesy of Tuncay and Mehmet Topal. However in the 34th minute the Czechs came forward on a counter-attack and with a great cross into the box, scored the first goal of the game courtesy of that giant Jan Koller. In the 36th and 39th minutes, Nihat’s crosses were met by Arda and Servet respectively, to no avail.

First half ended 1-0 and it seemed that Turkey, while down, was by no means out of this match. While they were down a goal to nil, the Turks wre trying to make things happen. The midfield was holding well while the Czechs were pretty much coming forward through counter-attacks. A general rule I follow in football is that if a team plays well, they will be rewarded. One way or another.

That rule seemed to be pretty much thrown out of the window when in the 62 min., the Czechs capatilized on a massive mistake by the Turkish defense. About that goal, I think it was scandelous defending on Sabri’s part. How can you let a player just waltz up to where the ball is and allow him to slot it home? And yet at the same time, I can’t blame Sabri. I mean Sabri was raised his entire life as a right wing player, not a right back.

Right then at that moment, something happened. I don’t know whether it was God, Fatih Terim’s glare, or the thought of angry Turkish fans at the airport, but for some reason, the Turks decided that they were going to win this match. They just started to play amazing footy and turned the Czechs inside out. Once again that goldenboy, Arda Turan led his team to victory. He just completely tore apart the Czechs. I kid you not, if this kid isn’t playing in a European big team in a year or two, his talent will just wilt away. We have to prevent this.

In the 75th minute, Turkey launched a very well organized passing attack which resulted in Hamit turning in towards the edge of the penalty box where Arda just slotted it cleanly home. Great job lad.
It seemed that something could happen. That maybe, just maybe this game was not gone.

Then IT happened. The turkish media have laid down several reasons why IT happened. Some say that a very bright light or that a raindrop impaired him. Some say that he accepted a bribe the night before from the Turkish federation boss (they even have bullshit photos to “prove” it). Whatever the reason was, IT happened and Turkey drew level.

And finally, just when we thought our luck had run out, when we thought that the match would go on for another 30 min and the Czechs would find a way out of their own mess, Nihat got the ball, saw Cech, took an amazing shot and took Turkey almost singlehandedly to the Quarterfinals. In the Switzerland match I ran to the screen and yelled at the top of my voice. In the Czech match, I just collapsed to the floor and began to cry like a child.

And yet the madness was not done just yet. In injury time, the idiot Volkan yet again showed that he is more of an animal and not a goalkeeper when he pushed Koller to the ground. Im not sure whether the red card was as a result of a second yellow card or that the referee jsut gave the red card straight away for violent behavior, but Turkey was down a man with Tuncay in goal for the final minute of the game. Un-freaking-beleivable. Thankfully the Turks held out and Musab got the chance to celebrate. I remember saying that Vienna was our final goal. That at this point nothing can hold us back. Let’s see this Friday.

And so ended yet another dramatic Turkish comeback victory. However we definitly deserved the match. When we are pressed for victory, we just play outstanding football. Damn you Turks and your inconsistencies.

So who did well, and who could have done better?

Applause:

1. Arda Turan- Arda, when I watch you I feel like I’m watching a thirty year old veteran of this team. Not a 21 year old who only 2 years ago was a ball boy at the Ali Sami Yen stadium. Arda has so much potential that I’m afraid will not be realized if he stays in Turkey.

2. Nihat Kahveci- Nihat was just amazing. That third goal was a goal that only Nihat can score. I’ll admit I was a bit harsh on Nihat for his past performances against Switzerland and Portugal. However he completely proved me wrong and led us to victory. Man of the match by UEFA.

3. Hamit Altintop- Hamit provided assists for all three goals. He turned the ball across the field to a wide-open Arda for the first goal. He made the cross which Cech just completely screwed up leading to the second goal, and gave the through ball for Nihat’s final goal. Hamit wasn’t so into the match against Switzerland but I feel that he has rebounded well.

Disappointment

1. Tuncay Sanli- Tuncay has been playing terribly for the past three matches. And yet Fatih Terim just can’t sit him on the bench. I also want Tuncay to just burst onto the stage and lead the team to vicotry, but it dosen’t look like it’s gonna happen.

What Next?

Team morale is through the roof and the Turks are already screaming that the trophy is coming to Istanbul without a doubt. While I don’y know about that, I know that the road ahead is going to be a lot tougher than what we’ve had to deal with so far.

Next up is Croatia. The Croatians are a great team without a doubt. They’ve knocked England out and have defeated the Germans 2-1. Very impressive. Can we get another comeback victory? We’ll see this Friday.

Switzerland: 1 – Turkey: 2

Goals: Hakan Yakın (min. 32), Semih Şentürk (min. 57), Arda Turan (min. 90+2)
Yellow Cards: Eren (Switzerland), Tuncay, Aurelio, Hakan Balta (Turkey)

The game started off well for us, the team seemed much more organized and seemed to want victory far more than they did in the Portugal match. However the heavens opened up in the 12th minute, completely ruining our gameplan. As we all know, the plan was to get the ball up to the forwards who would then rush forth to goal. The rain just completely threw that out the window. As we all know we don’t have one forward who can head the ball properly (or so i thought). The one man who can do that is unfortunantly sitting home in Istanbul and watching the match and probably tearing his hair out.

The Swiss used their brains and realized that taking long shots would probably be best in such a field. In the 23th and 25th minute, Hakan Yakin’s and Tranquillo (sp?) Barnetta’s shots were saved by Volkan and were turned into corners. In the 27th min, Arda Turans header (Shoulderer?) came back off the crossbar. Just when I thought that we just might be able to get this game, the Swiss just sent one long pass to Eren Derdiyok who centered it to Hakan Yakin for the goal. Right then and there, despair floated over the room like an old tuna sandwich which you know you probably should have just thrown away after one too many nights under your bed. I said it out loud, we could not win this game under these rainy conditions. Only three minutes later Hakan Yakin couldn’t score into an empty net. (It’s obvious he’s a Turk )

Whatever Fatih Terim said in the dressing worked because when those boys got out they played with renewed vigor. Terim decided to take out Gokdeniz and Tumer and put in Mehmet Topal and that golden sub Semih Senturk. This worked miracles for us. These two youth players played with much more vigor then their predecessors. By taking Gokdeniz out (who never tries to help with the defense) and putting in an energetic holding midfielder, Turkey seemed to really get into the mood.

The Swiss however still managed to find chances in the 49th and 51st minutes, despite the milliler playing the better football. And in the 57th minute, Nihat’s golden cross found that super sub Semih who headed the ball in at close range. In the 73 minute Turkey got into a 2 on 2 position and Tuncay not only couldn’t get a shot off, gave a horrid pass to a wide open Nihat. Pitiful.

But then finally in the 90th+2 minute,Turkey finally got the fruits of their labor when Turkish goldenboy Arda got ahold of the ball, took on two defenders, got off a shot (which deflected off Muller’s ankle) and found the back of the net. I tell you right now, that living room completely collapsed. I just remember myself running to the Television and screaming GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! with every ounce of breath I had left. Thank you so much Arda.

Now where do we go from here? First off there are a couple of players that deserve some special praise.

1. Volkan Demirel- In the past he used to eat some howlers but he seems to have learned from his mistakes. This match could have been his best one yet with the Ay-Yildizlar and with this morale he might do better yet.

2. Arda Turan- He’s only 20 years old and he’s so talented. I’ll admit he got lost towards the end of the second half but his sheer technique on the ball and eye for goal makes him vital to this team (If anyone wants to buy Arda from Galatasaray, his price tag is 30 million. Nothing less).

3. Servet Cetin- Without a doubt the most consistent performer in the squad. His sheer size and strength makes him almost impossible to get past. The Swiss Eren Derdiyok was completely lost throughout the match as a result of Servet’s tight marking. Way to go Servet.

And of course the disappointments:

1. Tuncay Sanli- I’m sorry Tuncay but your football has been garbage throughout the two matches. You haven’t done one productive thing so far. Fatih Terim just has to drop him from the squad. We can’t risk giving him a third chance in the Czech Republic match.

2. Nihat Kahveci- I’m expecting more from you Nihat. You’re supposed to be the star of this team, and yet I’m not seeing anything even remotely special from you. You’ve got one more chance this Sunday. I know you’re gonna do me proud.

3. Hamit Altintop- The second star of this team was also really lackluster. I’m 99% sure Hamit is injured and that he’s playing through it. Let’s see how much longer he can stand this.

4. Turqoise Unifroms- Are you kidding me? Who was the idiot behind this?

Where do we go from now?

The Czech’s haven’t been all that impressive this tournament so far. They were completely outplayed in their first match against the Swiss and lost pretty badly to the Portuguese. I really think we have a chance. The Czech’s will go into Sunday’s match with only thought on their minds. That they have to beat the “Turcos”. The Turks on the other hand are full of morale and belief that they can get something out of this match.

According to UEFA rules, if the first 90 minutes end in a draw, additional time will be played. If that doesn’t change anything, a penalty shootout will take place. We all know that Volkan saved three of Sevilla’s penalties with Fenerbahce.

Seeing blood on Emre Asik’s and Hakan Balta’s faces and uniforms brought pride to my heart. “Now that’s a true Turk!”. Without a doubt that photo will be the photo of Turkey in Euro 2008. Although another picture might just be better.

Turkey: 0 – Portugal: 2

Stadium: Stade de Geneve
Referees: Herbert Fandel, Carsten Kadach, Volker Wezel

Turkey: Volkan, Hamit (min. 76 Semih), Gökhan Zan (min. 55 Emre Aşık), Servet, Hakan Balta, Kazım Kazım, Emre, Aurelio, Tuncay, Mevlüt (min. 46 Sabri), Nihat
Manager: Fatih Terim
Bench: Rüştü, Sabri, Emre Aşık, Mehmet Topal, Tümer, Semih

Portugal: Ricardo, Bosingwa, Pepe, Carvalho, Ferreira, Petit, Moutinho, Ronaldo, Deco, Simao (min. 83 Meireles), Nuno Gomes (min. 69 Nani).
Manager: Felipe Scolari
Bench: Patricio, Bruno Alves, Miguel, Meireles, Quaresma, Nani, Postiga

Goals: Pepe (min. 61), Meireles (min. 90)
Yellow Cards: Kazım Kazım, Gökhan Zan, Sabri (Turkey)

They throroughly deserved the match. They hit the post three times and there wasn’t a single real Turkish chance for a goal. However in the general gameplay, it wasn’t all that bad. I was actually pleased with the first half play. The defense kept their calm, the midfield pressed forward as they could, and Nihat tried his best. However the second half was completely different. Tuncay stopped doing anything productive, Emre got lost in the midfield, and Gokhan Zan once again made mistakes in the defense.

Eventually the Portuguese were able to break down the door and with a great one-two by the Pepe-Nuno Gomes combination, and made it 1-0. To be honest, it was a poor shot. I feel that Volkan would have easily saved that shot if Emre hadn’t made that maneuver to block the shot. Either way nothing can be done. I was however disappointed by the last minute goal. There’s something called damage control. Even if ur 1-0 done, you just cant go and give up another goal in the last minute of the game. That -2 goal average will come back to haunt us, I’ll tell you right now.

Of course this is still the start of the tournament. If we win our last two match we go through, maybe if we’re lucky 4 points might be enough to get us through also. All of our efforts must be on the Switzerland match next Wednsday. As I stated before, we need the Portuguese to help us out and beat the Czechs. Hopefully they’ll beat them by a couple of goals.

There were a couple of bright spots in the match. Without a doubt Servet was great. He was able to hold back the Portuguese with his sheer strength and It was great entertainment to watch Nani and Simao tumble to the floor after trying to get the ball from him. The man is literally a tank on the field. Kazim-Kazim also did his best despite having to play against Ronaldo. I can’t say much against Mevlut either. He was pretty good during the first half and hopefully he’ll do better as the tournament proceeds.

TÜRKİYE:2 FİNLANDİYA: 0

Stadium: MSV Arena
Referees: Thorsten Kinhöfer, Detlef Scheppe, Christian Fischer
Turkey: Volkan, Hamit (min.78 Ayhan), Hakan Balta, Gökhan Zan, Servet, Sabri, Emre Belözoğlu (min.90 Gökdeniz), Mehmet Aurelio (min.87 M.Topal), Tuncay (min.67 Arda), Nihat (min.82 Semih), Mevlüt (min.75 Kazım)
Finland: Enckelman (min.46 Frederiksson), Nyman, Kallio, Pasoja (min.54 Lempi), Kuivasto, Vaerynen, Roman Eremenko (min.61 Litmanen), Heikkinen, (min.61 Johansson) Forssell (min.78), Alexei Eremenko, Kolkka.
Goals: Tuncay(min.16) Semih (min.88)
Yellow Cards: Tuncay

All in all nothing all that bad can be said about the Turks. They did what was necessary and finished he match 2-0 winners. However I have some “constructive criticism”. For one, this is a friendly match in which the team is supposed to prepare itself physically and mentally for the Portugal match. However we see the defense passing the ball to each other while the Finnish players just watch. In the real match against Portugal, the Portuguese forwards will be pressing our defense to force them to make a mistake. And as we saw in the Uruguay match, our defense is very prone to making mistakes.

I still dont understand why Semih and Kazim-Kazim are being called up to play at this level. But of course if Faith Terim calls up only two players from Brazilbahce, hes considered the scum of the world, even though both players have not shown anything worth noting.

On the postive side, it seems that the squad is ready for the Portugal match. Emre and Aurelio make a good pairing in the midfield while Nihat has been doing well in the penalty box. Hamit’s and Servet’s injuries seem to be at an end, somethign very important for us.

Now we can only sit and wait for the Portugal match. Fatih Terim and his assistants have been supposedly working day and night pouring over videos of Portuguese, Czech, and Swiss matches. It seems that the technical staff really want to do something in this tournament. Faith Terim has already said that his main goal is to show the world that Turkish football is still alive and well, even if this means to win the tournament itself. Let’s hope that he accomplishes his goal.