EURO 2008 Preview: Germany vs. Turkey

Buoyant by their impressive win over Portugal in the quarters, a full-strength Germany team are considered firm favorites for the St. Jakob Park clash.

Whilst the Turkish squad is plagued by injures and suspensions, their relentless coach Fatih Terim is hopeful the team can carry on their gutsy displays.

Head-to-head:

Germany win: 11

Turkey win: 3

Draw: 3

Germany

"Maybe ten to 15 years ago they wouldn't have been capable of coming back in three consecutive matches but now they can do that," said Joachim Loew.

"They have always had talented players but when they were behind their heads tended to go down. They have learned never to give up.

"We had a setback against Croatia but have responded very well since and we have no worries about injured players. We are confident in our strengths."

Team News: The Germans have no injury concerns as Thorsten Frings should retain his place in midfield after missing the Portugal game with a broken rib.

Probable Line-up: Lehmann- Friedrich, Lahm, Metzelder, Mertesacker- Frings, Ballack, Hitzlsperger, Schweinsteiger- Podolski, Klose.

Turkey

"If you asked the eliminated coaches if they would be in my place with the injured and suspended players, or watching the semi-final from home, I suppose they would still like to be here," said Terim.

"We have courage and believe in our chances. We respect Germany but we are not afraid of them, just as we've not been afraid of any other opponent."

Team News: Terim implied that he might use reserve goalkeeper Tolga Zengin as an outfield player, due to his long list of casualties.

First-choice keeper Volkan Demirel, center-half Emre Asik and influential midfielders Arda Turan and Sanli Tuncay are suspended, while Mehmet Aurelio returns.

Joint-top scorer Nihat Kahveci and full-back Emre Gungor are also definite absentees due to injuries.

Captain Emre Belozoglu and defender Servet Cetin are major doubts, while Tumer Metin is facing a fitness battle.

Probable Line-up: Rustu- Balta, Zan, Altintop, Sabri- Topal, Aurelio, Kazim, Gokdeniz, Mevlut- Semih.