Germany scored a late goal to cook Turkey 3-2 in the first Euro 2008 semi-final (tomorrow, Spain vs. Russia).

I picked Germany to win the tourney, so imagine my surprise when it turns out Germany will actually be playing in the final.

Anyway, the BBC game report.

The Globe and Mail's Stephen Brunt wrote this morning that the Turks would need a miracle, then outlined the litany of suspensions and injuries that would hobble Turkey. But the Turks had a history of miracle finishes in this tournament.

Ladies and gentlemen, presenting your sentimental favourite - though the truth is, as feel-good nations go, Turkey is really a minor power in underdog's clothing. It reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2002 and is the home of two powerful club sides, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, both of which have had their moments in the big European competitions.

Terim understands the feeling. "Anyone and everyone in the world today - people who are fans of football and people who are not interested in football - are all talking about Turkey", he said (perhaps overstating matters just a touch). But as for his side somehow being touched by the gods, he would prefer to remain in the rational realm, understanding that no fourth bolt of lightning is likely to get the team past Germany.

Funny Brunt should mention lightning. There was a thunderstorm, and lightning took out the television feed for about 25 minutes. From William Houston's column:

(TSN's Vic) Rauter and analysts Dick Howard and Craig Forrest were clearly frustrated and perhaps a little irritated by the lost signal. Rauter noted the Swiss are famous for their efficiency.

"This is not like the Swiss, considering how good their chocolate is," he said.

I called for Spain to advance after tomorrow's game. Let's see if my jinx continues to be jinxed.