Baesel, Jun 26: Three time European champions Germany beat Turkey 3-2 in their Euro 2008 semi-final in Basel, Switzerland, last night.

Phillip Lahm was the hero as he put Germany 3-2 ahead of Turkey a minute from time. Semih Senturk had levelled for Turkey to make it 2-2 with just four minutes left when Lahm struck. That equalising feat from the yellow-carded Senturk made the German supporters sit on the edge of their seats as they feared another miraculous comeback by Turkey - the way they did against Switzerland, the Czech Republic and Croatia.

Ugur Boral had given Turkey a shock lead after 22 minutes when he scuffled the ball through goalkeeper Jens Lehmann"s legs after a looping effort from Kazim Kazim came back off the bar. But Bastian Schweinsteiger levelled four minutes later after a beautiful defence-breaking pass found the German running onto the ball. Miroslav Klose put the German ahead for the first time in the match in the 78th minute after a mistake by the Turkish keeper. But eight minutes later it was Senturk who underlined the Turks reputation as the tournament"s Comeback Kids after Sabri Sarioglu floated a low cross for Senturk to equalise.As the clock ticked on all the money were on extra time , until Philip Lahm got the winner.

The Germans will play either Russia or Spain in Sunday"s final in Vienna.

OneIndia News