Source: CCTV.com
06-24-2008 10:38
Special Report: 2008 European ChampionshipsRussia ready to face Spain for place in final
Russia is getting ready for their Euro 2008 semi final with Spain. Guus Hiddink's men face off in the last four against the team they faced in their first group game - which they lost 4-1 Turkey goalkeeper Volkan Demirel will miss his team's semi-final match against Germany, obviously bad news for the Turks.
Russia's quarter final victory has made the footballing world sit up and take notice of Guus Hiddink's prodigious squad. After a 4-1 drubbing in their opening group game, it appeared the Russians were unlikely to make a significant impact on the tournament. But master tactician Hiddink has turned their performances around to set up a semi-final with Luis Aragones' outfit. Russia boasts the youngest squad at Euro 2008, but the team showed no fear in tackling the star names of Holland in their 3-1 quarter final triumph. Thursday's encounter promises to be an exciting affair, which will hopefully translate into plenty of goals.
Turkey prepare for semi-final against Germany
Turkey coach Fatih Terim will likely adopt a "just go out and play" strategy on Wednesday when his side face Germany. With only 14 members of his 23-man squad available, Terim won't have a lot of choice when it comes to his starting lineup, simply because alternatives are lacking with just two outfield players and one goalkeeper on the bench. Turkey found out on Monday that their appeal against a two match ban against goalkeeper Volkan Demirel was turned down. Defender Gokhan Zan told reporters that despite their problems, the players who will be fit and ready to play on Wednesday are ready to give their all.
Editor:Zhang Ning
