Euro 2008: Semih Senturk Says Turkey Is Ready for Germany

With so many "experts" declaring that Germany will wipe the floor with Turkey, it would be easy to forgive the Turkish side for being a little awed at facing their toughest opponent so far in Euro 2008.

But according to Semih Senturk, a striker from Fenerbache who has already kicked two goals from four matches in this tournament, Turkey are not intimidated by such predictions.  In fact, they are feeling more determined than ever.

"We will be confident in ourselves against Germany. We know what we have achieved and we are proud of it," he said.  "I think Germany will have some fear playing against us, because it is a one-off match and the loser will be going home."

Such confidence is not completely misplaced.  The German team has struggled in this competition so far, and have only won once by more than one goal.  Against Portugal, they were able to make use of a height advantage to complete some good technical set-pieces.  They have no such advantage here, however.

Semih Senturk himself is 1.83m tall, only a fraction shorter than Michael Ballack, and actually taller than most German players, including Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski.

At the other end of the field, Turkey have Recber Rustu (1.86m), the hero of the match against Croatia.  In that game, he made six saves, proving that being 4cm shorter than regular keeper Volkan Demirel was no handicap.

In between, they have several other players who are taller than 1.8m, and one worthy of particular mention is Hamit Altintop (1.82m), who will play at mid-field.  What makes him so important to Turkey is that he is a member of the same Bayern Munich team that many of his opponents in the semi-final belong to.

This means he could possibly provide his team with valuable insight into the tactics that might be employed against them. Altintop has played well in his four matches, having assisted with two goals. 

It may be tempting for Fatih Terim to risk some of his injured players in this clash, but hopefully he will resist the urge.  There are many other Turkish players who have the talent and passion to take a strong game to the Germans, and they should be given their chance.

Yes, it is true that Turkey are battered and bruised.  But if Tiger Woods can win the U.S. Open standing on one leg, then Turkey can potentially overcome their "handicap" and continue their winning streak.

Semih Senturk is one of many eager to go into battle.  They have something to prove and nothing to lose.  And in the words of Senturk himself: "Everybody thinks Germany are favourites against us, but it is only motivating us even more."