Germany 3 – 2 Turkey
Turkey’s lucky streak came an end as Jens Lehmann and Germany progressed into their first final since 1996. Lehmann had a unsually shaky game and never seemed entirely comfortable with crosses and shots. Lehmann was at fault for both Turkish goals as he failed to judge a looping shot with bounced off the bar and fell to Ugur Boral, who put it away via a few deflections off Lehmann. Germany regrouped and struck back almost immediately through Bastien Schweinsteiger. Miroslav Klose headed Germany into the lead with 10 minutes remaining. However the Turks hit back, in typical Turkish fashion, with a late goal. Semih beat Lehmann at the near post. With the game heading for extra time, Phillip Lahm latched onto a through ball before stroking it past Rustu. Lehmann will now be looking to win the tournament in what is rumoured to be his last international appearance.
Spain 3 – 0 Russia
Very rarely a substitute enters the field and single handidly wins the game for his team. Unfortunately for Russia tonight was one of those occasions as our very own Cesc Fabregas tore the Russians to shreads. Cesc found himself on the bench again but was called into action after 35 mins when David Villa picked up an injury. Fabregas immediately asserted himself and took control of the game, even while playing in a more advanced position. Spain took the lead after 50 mins through Xavi. Cue Fabregas. Cesc clipped a ball beautifully into the path of Dani Guiza and Spain took a 2 goal lead. With time running out Cesc broke down the left hand side and played a brilliantly weighted ball into transfer target David Silva. Cesc has surely won his starting role, especially as David Villa has been ruled out of the final.
Final
Germany vs Spain (Sunday 29th June)
gunner from malta said:
great great our fabregas congratulation to him good luck for the final spain better thn germany arsenal fans are after fabregas our jewel
49 Unbeaten said:
I always knew he was a class act but tonight he did it in style, took the game by the scruff of the neck and orchestrated the spanish win with a truely world class performance. What a player, what an absoloute talent!!!!
corkgooner said:
What a player to be profesional enough not to gripe about his role in the team.What does he have to do to win favour with the auld racist . Only a player of Cesc’s caliber could be a bit part player and still be considered the tournaments best. Long live the new chippy .
49 Unbeaten said:
He has to play further up the field in place of Hleb, he just has to!!!
Mike said:
I don’t think Spain is sweating Villa’s injury. If you have a Cesc coming off the bench–and contributing–depth is no issue. Go Spain. Go Cesc.
http://startingeleven.blogspot.com/2008/06/fabregas-star-poised-to-rise-in-euro.html