Source: Xinhua
06-12-2008 13:31
Special Report: 2008 European ChampionshipsBASEL, June 11 (Xinhua) -- Arda Turan's goal deep in injury time eliminated co-hosts Switzerland and revived Turkey's Euro 2008 hope.
Both teams struggled with downpour in the first half and Hakan Yakin put the Swiss team ahead just past the half-hour with a rain-assisted goal.
Semih, however, was a prolific scorer from the bench for Fenerbahce this season and 12 minutes after his half-time introduction he repeated the trick for his nation.
It seemed the match would ended a draw but Turan's dramatic goal in the last minutes revived Turkey's hope of reaching the quarterfinals if they can beat the Czech Republic on Sunday.
Eren Derdiyok and Yakin started the game in the places of injured strikers Alexander Frei and Marco Streller.
Both teams played positively early in the match when the rain began poured down 10 minutes into the match and water quickly settled on the pitch.
At the 32nd minute, Switzerland scored and the rain could claim an assist. Derdiyok chased a long ball into the right channel, rounded Volkan Demirel and squared. Unexpectedly, the ball held upright in the goalmouth and the grateful Yakin reacted first to tapin.
A couple of minutes later he could have had another but this time he misjudged Valon Behrami's cross. The rain eased just before the break but the surface water presented a challenge for the ground staff at half-time.
Turkey sent in Semih and Mehmet Topal and Semih's appearance was an understandable statement of attacking intent.
Turkey's efforts were rewarded when Nihat sent in a superb looping cross from the left and Semih rose to head in. Switzerland responded well and Hakan Balta produced a vital, sliding block from Basel-born Yakin.
In the injury time, Arda set off on a run and his strike from the edge of the box flew in off the devastated Patrick Muller.
Earlier in another Group A match played in Geneva, Portugal become the first team of reaching the quarterfinals after beating the Czech Republic 3-1.
The Czech Republic and Turkey each had three points from one win against one loss. The Sunday's final round match between the two teams will decide which will qualify after Portugal.
Editor:Zhang Ning
