This game was highly anticipated in Germany not only because it would determine who would face the national team in the semifinal. No, Croatia and Turkey both hold special places in German football history. Croatia gave Germany their only loss in the group stages and the games between those two teams have always been close. Turkey is even more special because of the large Turkish community in Germany. I had a small conversation with a customer at the store I work in yesterday who congratulated me on the German win against Portugal (something I don't really like to accept, since I don't refer to the German team as "we" like so many other people here). Anyway, he also wanted Germany in the semis and now we both got our wish.
For the game a friend of mine came around because she wanted to watch the match with me. We ended up missing almost all of the action while talking and talking and eating Japanese Udon noodles...
Croatia vs Turkey 1-3 pens (Quarterfinal 2)
What a boring game at least judging from the view scenes I caught a glimpse of. There was a huge chance for Croatia's Ivica Olic in the first half when he tried to copy Mario Gomez by hitting the crossbar from ridiculously short distance, but that really was it. While talking to my friend I tried to pay attention, listening for changes in the commentator's voice, but he didn't really have to get excited. This was heading for extra time and that's where it became interesting. Let's be honest, who would have thought Turkeky would come back after Ivan Klasnic scored the lead for Croatia in the 119th minute? But don't turn your back on this Turkish team because they are always out to prove you wrong. Only a minute later they equalize and then they win the whole thing in a penalty shootout, although they are missing their No.1 goalkeeper Volkan Demirel who was sent off against the Czech Republic with a red card.
Still if Germany can recall the performance they showed against Portugal this shouldn't be a problem for them. From what I'm reading Turkey will miss a lot of players from injuries and suspensions. But, you'll never know. As I said before, don't write them off before the final whistle.
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