"Turkey's Emre ruled out of semi-final"

Turkey Emre Belozoglu captain remains unfit and not play on Wednesday the Euro 2008 semi-final against Germany, coach Fatih Terim said.

The midfielder suffered a hamstring tear after the opening group defeat by Portugal and has been rated 50/50 to recover in time for the match in Basel.

"With Emre, it is impossible for him to play," said the coach on Tuesday, adding that midfielder Tumer Metin, who has a groin strain, may be able to play the last 30 minutes.

Turkey had goalkeeper Volkan Demirel, defender Emre Asik and midfielders Arda Turan and Tuncay Sanli suspended for Wednesday, while injured striker Nihat Kahveci is out of the tournament alongside Emre Gungor.

Defender Servet Cetin is almost certain to miss the semi-final with a knee problem.

Fatih joked during the week that the election of the third goalkeeper Tolga Zengin might have to play as an outfield player given its ills.

"This is a joke but people took seriously. It's just a joke to show that we had many injured and suspended players, 'said on Tuesday.

"Nihat is one of the best strikers in Europe. However, I think we just have to look forward and accept the facts as they are. The players who replaced the injured and suspended he will do equally well. We are not looking for excuses. "