MATCH INFO Die Mannschaft haven't won the
World Cup or
European Championship for
twelve years, but tonight they produced a less-than-perfect performance to eke out yet another victory in the last four and propel themselves into their thirteenth World Cup or European Championship title match.
Turkey were probably the better team and the German defence was found wanting on several occasions, but there's no doubting their attacking prowess and finishing touch. I wanted the Turks to go through and was devastated when
Philipp Lahm produced a last minute scorcher. It reminded me of the
first goal he scored in the last
World Cup against
Costa Rica, but from much closer range. It's now upto either
Spain or
Russia to give 'em a run for their money, and after their underpar performance tonight, we could be in for a thriller in
Vienna if they're able to raise their game a notch or two.
Earlier, midway during the second half, the video images were lost (not once, but twice) all over the world due to a thunderstorm in Vienna. I don't know about non-UK viewers but we're very lucky here. The
Beeb automatically switched to
Radio 5 Live's commentary with the irrepressible
Alan Green before switching back. It was then that I remembered the choice of watching the action without listening to the boring
John Motson (as much of a legend as he is) and the redundant
Mark Lawrenson. The footie was so much more interesting as soon as I kept the Radio 5 commentary while watching
BBC One's video coverage. Can't wait for tomorrow night's match. Can we expect a replay of tonight's Belter in Basel? My money's on Spain, but I hope the Russians win. Unless
Torres scores of course!