EURO 2008 BETTING PICK - GERMANY V TURKEY

Euro 2008

2008-06-25 - Germany vs Turkey

A Sports Betting Pick by Auls

Germany

The Germans have done what the Germans do best- they are in the latter stages of a major international competition. They stunned the then-favourites Portugal in the Quarter Finals after being written off by many, including this writer, judging from their performances in the group stages of this competition.

Germany exploited the Portuguese defensive weaknesses from set pieces and crosses and managed to win the game 2-3. This did mask some defensive deficiencies of their own, but it was by far their most impressive performance of the tournament. Michael Ballack is growing in stature in midfield, ably supported by Torsten Frings, and they have the joint 2nd top scorer in the competition in Lukas Podolski up front.

Germany are showing a lot of respect for the fighting spirit of Turkey and should be fully focused in the match. Joachim Loew admits he was probably close to losing his job if Germany had exited the competition at the group stage, but remains confident in his players.

Germany had announced they could have influential Torsten Frings back in the squad after he missed the last match with his fractured rib and otherwise are fully fit.

Turkey

Turkey have come back from the dead on so many occasions already in this tournament but yet face even more adversity in this match. They surprised Croatia in the Quarter Finals in probably the most exciting end to a game so far in the tournament. Croatia took the lead with literally seconds remaining before a penalty shoot out, but somehow Turkey equalised with their last kick of the game and went on to win the penalty shoot out with ease.

That was not their first miraculous recovery in this tournament. They managed to beat Switzerland with a last minute deflected goal to give them a chance to qualify for the Quarter Finals, and then recovered from 2 goals down to the Czech Republic, scoring 2 goals in the last 3 minutes to win the game and earn a QF spot.

Fatih Terim has admitted he has only 13 outfield players available to him due to suspension and injury and could be forced to employ third choice goalkeeper, Tolgan Zengin, as an outfield player if it is necessary. However, the Turks remain confident in their own abilities to overcome the odds again but it will be a tough ask.

Nihat was the latest player ruled out for Turkey and is added to the 6 players that missed out against Croatia. Volkan Demirel, their first choice goalkeeper, will miss the game as he serves the 2nd of a 2 game suspension and Tuncay Sanli, Arda Turan and Emre Asik are also out after picking up a yellow card in the last game. Mehmet Aurelio is back from suspension and Tumer Metin may be asked to do a 30 minute shift even though he is struggling with a groin problem.

Head to Head

The 2 nations have only met 1 time in the last few years, and Turkey managed to win that friendly 2-1.

Germany have an overall winning record against the Turks, but their last win came in 1992.

Prediction

If there is one thing I can trust with the Germans, it is the fact that they will not be distracted with all the talk of Turkey being out on their feet, and they will prepare for this match as normal.

I think the German team is not as good as people were suggesting after their game with Portugal, I am more of the belief that their system and tactics were suited perfectly to playing the Portuguese.

I dont like going against Turkey, simply because they will fight until the end as they have proven in this tournament, but I think the injuries and lack of being able to make tactical substitutions will end their campaign here.

Germany should play the game as normal and not go gung-ho for the win but I see them winning by 2 goals in the end as the Turks run out of options.

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

Germany win

Draw HT-Germany FT It could take the Germans a bit of time to break down a stubborn Turkish side.