Euro 2008: Turkey, Masters Of Living In The Moment

A few months ago, Halil Altintop sent out a warning that bordered on prophecy.  Nobody, it seems, cared to listen.

"We are not at the same level as Germany, France or Italy," he said. "But on a good day, we're capable of beating anyone."

That simple statement sums up a good part of the reason why Fatih Terim's squad have had so many "good days" recently. They simply do not concern themselves with what has happened in the past, not only in terms of history, but even within the space of a 90 minute game.

The fact that Turkey entered this tournament without a record that even comes close to rivals such as Germany did not put them off. What mattered to Turkey was that they were there. Plenty of teams with better long-term records, England, for example, are not.

Such issues as whether Turkey is better than England are completely irrelevant. Because Turkey is playing, while the English can be involved only as spectators.

Here's another thing: Turkey are still there. And again, there are plenty of "better" teams who are not. Italy, Holland, France and Portugal have all been dismissed, yet all would start as strong favorites in any bookmaker's market against Turkey.

Starting the tournament with a 2-0 loss to Portugal also didn't faze them enough to prevent them from bouncing back to win their next match.

Being behind early in the past three matches didn't dent their spirit too much either, as on each occasion they have rallied back for a dramatic win.

Turkey, more than any other team, has been plagued with injuries and suspensions, yet even this has not crushed them. 

Now they hope to achieve their fourth straight win when they face Germany. History suggests that Germany should have no trouble defeating Turkey. Recent events, however, tell a quite different story.

Despite their misfortunes, Terim's team is confident, and even if Germany win the match, they must do so the hard way. The Turks are not about to go out quietly without a fight.

"We have courage and believe in our chances," says Terim. "We respect Germany, but we are not afraid of them."

Who can say if Halil Altintop's words of so many weeks ago were prophecy or mere bravado? Regardless, one thing we must all have learned during the past two weeks is that Turkey does not need a miracle. All they need is a good day.