"Spain leaps to top of FIFA rankings, U.S. falls to 30th"

Spain jumped to the top of the monthly Fifa rankings for the first time after their triumph in the European Championship with Brazil and Argentina, both the drop in the first three.

The United States maintains its fall from the highest echelons of world football, falling nine places to 30, its lowest ranking since he was 30th in March 2007. The Americans were fourth in April 2006.

The teams are ranked based on points awarded for performances in matches in the past four years.

Spain 1-0 victory over Germany on Sunday in the Euro 2008 final which rose three places, making it the sixth team - along with France, Germany, Brazil, Italy and Argentina - to claim the top spot since the ranking began 15 years ago. The Spaniards have 1,557 points

Italy deadline for the quarter was enough to push it to a point at second place with 1404 points, while Germany climbed two places to third with 1364.

Brazil fell to fourth place in the list published on Wednesday, the first time since November 1993 that the five-time champions of the World Cup have been outside the first three.

The squadron of americas encountered from its previous ranking of 21, accumulating 780 points in the last survey. Places that the U.S. team behind countries like Israel (21 meetings), Ivory Coast (28 meetings) and Paraguay (25 meetings).

"Spain triumph"

Spain claimed his first major title for 44 years after winning Euro 2008 with a 1-0 victory over Germany.

Fernando Torres scored the only goal of the game when chipped over Jens Lehmann but the 1-0 scoreline hardly reflect the true nature of a contest in which Spain were in complete control throughout.

Germany simply had no answer to the oppression exercised in the center of the field by the likes of Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas, Silva and Senna, who combined to provide a measure of finesse and agility that neither side in the tournament could match . With the defensive security underpinned by reliable Casillas and a potent front line composed of Torres and Villa, Luis Aragno coach has done what many of his predecessors had failed to achieve: namely, a mixture of a group of prominent individuals into a formidable team . Now steps down, mission accomplished.

Spain started the game patient in his possession but it was Germany who led the initial threat, particularly by the left flank, where Lukas Podolski and Philip Lahm is combined well and it causes problems for Sergio Ramos.

The game's first chance fell to Klose who pounce on a step wandering Sergio Ramos but overran the ball under pressure from Carlos Puyol. Ballack, who had been a fitness doubt right until kick-off, broke left and cut inside Puyol before delivering a dangerous cross into the penalty area.

Although not rattled, Spain took time to get their intricate passing game going, but when they finally found their rhythm, almost opened the scoring. In 14 minutes, Iniesta sailed in a wonderful pass from Xavi and crossed into the box where the reverse Per Mertesacker forced goalkeeper Jens Lehmann into a sharp reaction save. It was the closest it had reached a goal and highlighted the growing threat of Spaniards.

Another proof of the growing dominance Spanish came midway through the half when Sergio Ramos' cross was met by a firm downward header from Fernando Torres in the post.

As the half wore on, Germany were looking increasingly vulnerable and that there was a big surprise when Spain finally achieved the breakthrough. Xavi was the architect of the goal, but the pace and strength Torres that ultimately undid Germany. Collecting a pass measured the Barcelona midfielder, Torres flick the ball beyond Lahm Dinka and a delicate chip over Lehmann into the far corner of the net.

Ballack, who was running repair a cut eye, saw his frustration get the better of him when he squared up Puyol and received a reserve for its problems. With his most influential player struggling to have any impact, rudder and Germany are looking devoid of ideas.

Joachim Low responded to the growing crisis of replacing Philip Lahm with Marcell Jansen. This is a like for like replacement and it is difficult to see how the introduction of another defender could change the shape of the game.

However, Germany are nothing if not tenacious and a brief spell after the interval finally began to take the game to their opponents. Schweinsteiger, who had been anonymous in the first half, began to make some races that threaten the right flank, although his delivery remains patchy. Their best chance fell to Ballack to volley just wide after Puyol had given the ball away near his own corner flag.

Spain were lucky to still have eleven men on the pitch when David Villa headbutted Lukas Podolski. The incident was not spotted by the referee, much to the dismay of the German side. Soon after Aragones wisely removed Silva.

Aragones responded to the growing threat of taking off Cesc Fabregas and lead to more defensive-minded Xabi Alonso. If the switch is intended to regulate the ship worked, but more importantly also the improvement of Spain as a joint attack. A barrage of opportunities fell their way in a frantic spell midway through the half, with Sergio Ramos and Iniesta with what a fine save from Lehmann.

As Germany pressed forward in search of a tie, became more vulnerable to rapid counter-attack of the Spaniards. In fact, if a second objective is reaching Spain seemed much more likely to score, earrings and Marcos Senna was only inches away from sealing victory after another sweeping move from Aragones'.

The game ended with Germany struggling to clear the ball outside their own half. They spent a force that seems unable to muster the necessary self-belief to challenge the authority of Spain. It has been this way for much of the game as men in red finally banished his international reputation as the football great underachievers.

However, for some derives from finishing the victors the margin would have been much higher. Sometimes, Spain were playing with their opponents, and only a propensity to develop along the front of goal denied the most emphatic victory of his overall superiority deserved.


Germany 0-1 Spain
Top Scorers: Fernando Torres 33

Half: 0-1

Attendance: 51,428

Teams:
Germany: 1-Jens Lehmann, 3-Arne Friedrich, 17-Per Mertesacker, 21-Christoph Metzelder, 16-Philipp Lahm (2-Marcell Jansen 46), 7-Bastian Schweinsteiger, 8-Torsten Frings, 13-Michael Ballack, 15 -- Thomas Hitzlsperger (22-Kevin Kuranyi 58), 20-Lukas Podolski, 11-Miroslav Klose (9-Mario Gomez 79)

Spain: 1-Iker Casillas, 15-Sergio Ramos, 5-Carles Puyol, 4-Carlos Marchena, Joan Capdevila 11-, 19-Marcos Senna, 6-Andres Iniesta, 8-Xavi, 10-Cesc Fabregas (14-Xabi Alonso 63), 21-David Silva (12 Santi Cazorla 66), 9-Fernando Torres (17-Daniel Giza 78)

Referee: Roberto Rosetti (Italy)

"Euro 2008 final preview - Germany v Spain"

After a captivating tournament which has been elevated to the quality and refreshing and low in the dispute, tonight sees the culmination of a glorious Euro 2008 with a final assembly in Vienna between two of soccer's most powerful nations.


Despite the undoubted individual excitements offered by the previous group and knockout stages, nothing can match the anticipation aroused by this encounter weather. For both teams and their players and what a privilege it offers a rare opportunity to write themselves in the folklore of their respective nations and in the annals of football history.

On paper the tie offers an intriguing clash of styles, ideologies and stereotypes: the pace, talent, enthusiasm and passion of the Spaniards against the sand, efficiency, determination and traditional cruelty of the Germans. We have a young team Spanish, desperate to redress a generations-old national discrepancy in the balance between the undoubted ability and winning titles, which have hardly been sufficient. And we have a German side, eager to demonstrate its capability to continue its tradition of sporting nation of triumph when we have the majority against a more fashionable, dashing and critically acclaimed opponent - an event that has already happened several Sometimes too often in the eyes of the romantic neutral.

There is, however, a shadow hangs over the preparations due to the possible absence through injury of two of the tournaments biggest stars. Spain David Villa forward, top scorer of the finals so far, is struggling with the thigh injury he picked up last week in 3-0 semi-final victory over Russia, while Germany captain Michael Ballack is also a doubt with a calf strain. Of the two is that Villa is worth the most doubtful to play, but Ballack injury could also rule him yet. It would be a bitter disappointment if the end was stolen from these two brilliant players,

Strike devastating
The impression is that the absence of Ballack would be the most devastating blow to his team the chance of success, despite the objectives of the Villa. The Chelsea midfielder has been crucial to his side both on and off the pitch this summer, the brilliant performance in the quarter-final victory against Portugal and providing real leadership in the aftermath of the group stage of shock defeat of Croatia. In a team containing a mixture of young and promising solid experience is the established world-class player at the peak of his career. The coach Joachim Low must be praying that the positive noises coming out of the German chamber of treatment are well founded.

Germany were the pre-tournament favourites and the selection of many knowledgeable pundits before the final, but have been a model of inconsistency so far. Three good results against Poland, Austria and Portugal have been tempered by sad showing in their other two games. They paid the price for not turning in the intermediate group match against Croatia in the form of a well-deserved defeat, while in the semi-final against Turkey were a few very fortunate to win.

Much will depend, therefore, that Germany will become Vienna tonight. Those with decent memories will allude to the fact that this German team, like those of past generations, seem to thrive when underdogs, which undoubtedly are tonight, despite its own skinny pre-tournament odds.

After his fallibility was exposed in the group stages, no one expected the defeat to Portugal in the quarter-finals, but they did, and convincingly. Germany, and his predecessor as West Germany, have a history of upsetting the form book in big tournaments - look no further than the end of 1954 and 1974 World Cup tests. Both parties face the teams considered by the masses to be the legitimate winners, the proponents of football at its most dazzling style and form - and in both matches, against all odds, Germany emerged with the spoils. Tonight they face a similar dilemma in the form of a side that Spain had all of us to reach the superlatives after a scintillating second half performance against Russia last week in the semi-final.

Caution and Paranioa
However, if the history book offers comfort to Germany for the Spanish fans are offered only prudence and paranoia. While the Germans are looking to expand its relevance to the Spanish will rip it is composed.

It has been well documented that the Spanish football has produced 25 winners of European club soccer competition first, yet has produced one national team, some 44 years ago, capable of winning a major trophy. Among Spain have been at one another grand finale, which lost to hosts France to 84 euros. To illustrate the historical difference between the two sides, this will be the thirteenth and final principal Germany, if victorious, his seventh title.

However, if the outbreak is left to only tonight, to a single football game on paper, then is German fans surely will be the wiser. This morning the major newspapers in Europe are full of comparisons between the two formations, with almost all of them give Spain a significant advantage in all positions. It's easy to see why.

In goal, Iker Casillas of Spain has been one of the stars of the tournament shifts, while his counterpart, Jens Lehmann, has looked beyond his best in 38 years of age.

Spain is defending combination of athletics, in the form of Sergio Ramos, strength and determination in the form of centre halves Puyol and Marchena, and unfussy, the position of collateral in the form of the left side, Joan Capdevila. On the side, possibly, the Germans are a group match for Spain, but the German association of central defender Mertesacker and Metzelder notoriously lacking pace and mobility. Their job tonight could be made easier by the absence of Villa Quicksilver, but the pace and power of Fernando Torres is likely to cause them a lot of problems. It is unlikely to be intimidated by the German pair, who compensate for their lack of pace with the size and strength.

Both teams are likely to start with a top forward, Torres with Spain and Germany with Miroslav Klose. Both players are first class, with Torres comes from a superb debut season in the English Premier League and a scorer Klose tested in more than one of the major tournaments in the past. Torres is undoubtedly the most industrious and versatile of the two, and he will throw in positions of great regularity to offer a way out and give space for Spain interchangeable attacking midfielders to exploit. With Lukas Podolski and Bastian Schweinsteiger to the Germans that offer greater width midfield enjoying Spain, Klose will play their normal game inhalation opportunities in and around the penalty area.

It is at the center of the field that Spain has won the majority of people's hearts, with the duo Barcelona Xavi and Iniesta effort complemented by Valencia David Villa. All three are gifted technically, blessed with great vision and offer a threat Goalscoring, and all are also more hard work that they are given credit. Behind them sits Villarreal's Marcos Senna, a contender for the unsung but most effective player throughout the competition, the insurance policy that allows the three most advanced midfielders to express opposition half.

In the likely absence of Villa, Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas is likely to resume its role as a second striker behind Torres filled with such devastating effect in the second half of the semi-final. Despite starting only two games in his name is most people list as the star of the tournament so far, a turnover that could very well continue to cement a berth tonight from one of the biggest stages of all.

Therefore, much depends on the ability Ballack and his presence, or not, in the German midfield. Torsten Frings is a great companion to the captain and he will have to be at his best in the holding role to nullify the threat of Fabregas. The other midfielders faces the biggest game of his career so far. Podolski, a converted striker, has been effective but inconsistent in the left wing, with the same analysis applies to Schweinsteiger and Thomas Hitzlsperger. Of the three of them can be Schweinsteiger assume that most of the responsibility if Ballack has not made the starting signal. Only time will tell if his young shoulders are broad enough to carry him and the rest of his team.

"No one remembers the finalists"
"I've told my players that no one remembers the finalists," Spain coach Luis Aragones told media on Friday.

Aragones, who will be 70 next month, was celebrating the move to Madrid athletics as a striker in the summer of 1964 when Spain won the past a major title. He is better equipped than most for putting into context of Spain shortage of success, and you're eligible if a man who has witnessed all the ups and downs in the Spanish football since his last title leads them to glory tonight.

"We face a Germany side who are very good and we can cause problems. They do not play a game as fluid but we are very good in the counterattack. We must also ensure them a set of pieces, but we will be ready. We will give our people something to celebrate after all this time in the desert. "

Germany coach Joachim Low is realistic about the threat posed by the Spanish midfielders, and acknowledges that his team are underdogs - something he can disconcert cree Spain. He emerged half-Jürgen Klinsmann's predecessor in the shadow of taking his team to the finals, and hope to leave behind him lifting the trophy permanently.

"Spain has been the best and most consistent in this team," said on Saturday.

"They seem to have no weaknesses and most of its players are accustomed to playing in the Champions League under pressure. We have not been at a high level permanently, but have shown signs of our class. Now we are in the final pressure is shut down. Spain is expected to win and we can enjoy more of them - this could work in our favor. "

"Spain hopes that they can cope without Villa"

Spain hopes to be able to cope with the absence of leading striker David Villa on Sunday for the Euro 2008 final against Germany in Vienna.

The 26-year-old who is the top scorer in the tournament with four goals, was forced out late in the first half of Thursday's 3-0 semi-final victory over Russia with a thigh muscle injury. You will almost certainly miss the finals.

The team doctor told the official press in Spain on Friday that tests carried out at a hospital in Vienna showed the striker had suffered a minor injury to the muscle.

The players remained upbeat about the chances of winning side of the first trophy in 44 years despite Villa likely absence.

"It's going to be difficult for him to be fit for the finals', midfielder Xabi Alonso told reporters after a training session recovery in Vienna.

'Having a strain on his hamstring and probably will not be available. Whoever is playing I think we have different options ... and have enough courage to have a good system and will not be a problem for us. "

Fellow midfielder Santi Cazorla according to Alonso.

'You can cope with anything and we have great players in every position and whoever plays will do their job well and hope that does not affect us,' she said.

"We must keep faith with the same philosophy of football that we have shown so far. We hope to maintain the level to the end as champions'.

Alonso said that one of the most important factors in the success of Spain was a strong team spirit, because the bid to repeat their success of the 1964 European championship - its only major trophy.

'Of course we do not know how it worked 44 years ago, "he told journalists.

'But having been here a month with the boys share a lot of time, the group has been fantastic and we have a great atmosphere in the dressing room and that is one of the keys to success at this time. "

"Russia 0-3 Spain"

Spain produced a wonderful second half display to defeat Russia 3-0 and earn a place in the finals of Euro 2008.

After a first half goals, Spain attacked across Xavi, Danny Giza and David Silva to overwhelm a Russian side that struggled to compete with the fluid movement and slick passing of Luis Aragones'.

The margin of victory was the same as Spain had succeeded in their opening group match win over Russia, but in many ways was a more impressive performance against a team that has evolved into genuine contenders in the course Tournament.

The result means that arrived in Spain have reached the end of a big tournament for the first time since 1984, and tonight shows that the fantasy that their chances of ending their 48 year drought of trophies.

Spain, which show no harmful effects of the exhausting 120 minutes of football that endured against Italy in the quarterfinals, were the first to settle. Russia, for its part, perhaps wary of suffering a recurrence of that drubbing, were considerably less adventurous than it had been in his victory over Holland.

It took only six minutes to Aragones's side to create their first decent opening when David Villa Torres found at the edge of the six-yard box, but the Liverpool striker could not get any power into his shot and Igor Akinfeev cleared with his feet.

Villa Akinfeev to test himself when cutting infield from the left before leaving to fly with a shot that goalkeeper Russian Palmer away from a corner.

Arshavin, of whom much was expected after his impressive displays in the last two games, are struggling to impose himself in the game and will convey to his fellow Roman Pavlyuchenko posed a greater threat in the first half. The striker was set up by Yuri Zhirkov, but his curling left foot shot sailed just wide of the post.

Spain suffered a blow on 34 minutes when David Villa was forced to leave the field through injury. The leading scorer in the competition seemed to jar his leg after a long range free-kick. Cesc Fabregas was brought in place of Villa, but its introduction was a need for a change of formation, with Spain and the adoption of a 4-5-1 set-up.

As half-time had come little to choose between two evenly matched sides. Spain had shadow that sometimes, but Russia is playing its part in a tactical encounter intriguing. The opportunities were at a premium, but there was much to admire and none of infertility that has hit Spain in the quarter-finals with Italy stagnation.

Five minutes after the break Spain were ahead. It is a goal created and completed in Barcelona with Iniesta cut infield before crossing for Xavi to volley past Akinfeev from close range.

The goal boosted by the Spanish and within two minutes that could have doubled their advantage when Torres was Xavi received a cross only to shoot. The striker squandered more chances to extend Spain to the head and was eventually replaced by Danny Giza.

Guus Hiddink rang the changes in Russia by introducing Diniyar Bilyaletdinov and Dmitri Sychev, but with anonymity throughout Arshavin, substitutes are unable to make any impact on proceedings. Perhaps distracted by the praise from his luxurious way in recent days, Zenit St Petersburg playmaker was removed from the game tonight, and without him, Russia simply does not work after the break.

It was the substitute Giza that Russia finally ended the hopes of a return when they picked up a beautiful weighted chip Fabregas and finished coolly past the promotion of Akinfeev.

Fabregas, a growing influence on the game, was very active in Spain's third goal when he sailed to the left touchline and set up David Silva, who took a touch before calmly stroking the ball past Akinfeev.

Thus, Spain, the perennial underachievers have finally come good. They face a battle scars from Germany at the end of Sunday, but it produces enough in these results indicating that the game will start as favourites.


Spain 0-3 Russia

Annotation: Xavi 50, Daniel Giza 73, David Silva 82

Half: 0-0

Teams:
Russia: 1-Igor Akinfeyev, 22-Alexander Anyukov, 2-Vasily Berezutsky, Sergei Ignashevich 4, 18 Yuri Zhirkov, 17-Konstantin Zyryanov, 11-Sergei Semak, 20-Igor Semshov (15 Diniyar Bilyaletdinov 56), 9 - Ivan Saenko (21-Dmitry Sychev 57), 10-Andrei Arshavin, 19-Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Spain: 1-Iker Casillas, 15-Sergio Ramos, 5-Carles Puyol, 4-Carlos Marchena, Joan Capdevila 11-, 19-Marcos Senna, 6-Andres Iniesta, 8-Xavi (14-Xabi Alonso 69), 21 -- -- David Silva, 7-David Villa (10-Cesc Fabregas 35), 9-Fernando Torres (17-Daniel Giza 69)

Referee: Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium)

"Momentum with Russia against faltering Spain"

Vienna, June 25 (Reuters) - Spain hammered Russia 4-1 in the group stage of Euro 2008, but must be a very different game when they meet again on Thursday, the semi-final after their fortunes were transformed by return of Andrei Arshavin.

Spain won the first clash on June 10 thanks to enterprising attack, loose Russian and defending a hat-trick from David Villa, but is that the losers now have the momentum to their side.

With each game, accumulation of Spain has become its slower and less dangerous attacks. They hardly threatened their goals in the quarter-finals with Italy which won in penalties.

However, Russia has ido in the opposite direction of tightening up on the back and surfing a wave of attacks that culminated improvement as a whole deserved and very entertaining 3-1 victory over Holland in their quarter-finals.

Suddenly, it seems Innsbruck long ago.

"If we think that Russia will be the same as the opening match that will be very wrong ', warned Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

The progress Russia has much to do with the efforts of playmaker Arshavin, who was suspended for the first two games, and striker Roman Pavlyuchenko, who has rediscovered the form that played such a key element in his country by the end.

Arshavin was outstanding in the 2-0 group win in Sweden and again against the Dutch, where his direct running, great ball control and vision passing tore two holes in the defenses.

Three goals from Pavlyuchenko has regained its appetite for the fight lightweight and the central Spanish will be at the top of their game to maintain control over it.

Free High-Performance and passing midfielders Konstantin Zyryanov and Igor Semshov, along with the virtual wing-backs Alexander Anyukov and Yuri Zhirkov, adding more menace.

"The way we play, with expertise and talent, is always happy to see that, 'said the source of inspiration Russia Dutch coach Guus Hiddink.

Hiddink's major concern is the absence of suspended central Denis Kolodin, who helped reorganize the defense in a unit that has only granted a new target after the defeat Spain.

Vasily Berezutsky is likely to replace him and, along with Sergei Ignashevich must maintain constant shackles at Villa and Fernando Torres to keep Spain at arm's length.

After showing their entrepreneurs in the opener of Spain have slowed his midfield to play the point where Italy happily sat with eight men behind the ball patiently watching short step that was ordered desperately, but lacked penetration.

Only when reaching Fabregas, usually after an hour, there appears to be no joy and his coach Luis Aragones knows that it must find new ways to imperil if they are to progress.

"It will be difficult to surprise Hiddink, but we will try, 'she said.

"Germany 3-2 Turkey: Late heartbreak for Turks"

Philip Lahm one minute the 90th winner as Germany claimed the first final berth at Euro 2008 as the struggle of Turkey's implementation of fairies finally came to an end at St Jakob-Park in Basle.

A much weakened Turkey side had dominated the first half, but only at half-hour after Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany had cancelled out the opener Ugur Boral.

The second half was a more even contest and hopes to be extra time after Germany striker Miroslav Klose and Semih Senturk of Turkey had each scored in the final 11 minutes.

But there was still time to crush Lahm house as the winner of European champions three times - twice as West Germany in 1972 and 1980 - reached the final, where they will meet either Spain or Russia.

Turkey, playing in its first Euro semi-final, had captured the imagination of neutrality back on the scene after remarkable victories in their last three matches, but with a team ravaged by injuries and suspensions a first appearance is always a tough final ask.

Despite that, although the Turkish side makeshift even faster from the blocks, with Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann need to be alert to the efforts of Colin Kazim-Richards and Hamit Altintop in the first 10 minutes.

Turkey then hit the wood in 13 minutes across London born Kazim-Richards, whose rising shot crashed against the top of the crossbar from 12 yards out after Ayhan Akman's Cut-back.

The German defence was all at sea in the opening stages, while there was little to encourage Joachim Low part in the future either as Turkey Boss procedure.

Therefore, it was not unexpected when Turkey took a deserved lead on 22 minutes through Ugur Boral.

The opportunity came after Kazim-Richards had beaten Germany crossbar for the second time - this time with an effort that wrapped up in the air and at the bar - Boral and slotted home the rebound, despite Lehmann's best efforts in line.

Of Turkey's joy was short-lived though, as Germany equalised with his first opportunity of the match five minutes later through Schweinsteiger.

Lukas Podolski through a low cross from the left and Schweinsteiger dart in front of Mehmet Topal and with the outside of his right foot guided the ball across Recber Rustu and into the far corner of the net.

Opportunities were coming thick and fast at both ends with Semih header saved by Lehmann, who was then almost left red-faced by the deep Altintop free-kick, the former Arsenal goalkeeper misjudged and needed to dive backwards During the peak.

Podolski then wasted a good opportunity for Germany when he was put clean through Thomas Hitzlsperger, only for the Bayern Munich man in the course of fire with only Rustu to beat.

Turkey scorer Boral chopped the knuckles of Lehmann with a free-kick before Sabri Sarioglu fired just over the distance as underdogs finished the first half just as it began - in total control.

At the beginning of the second half Germany could have had a dream began Swiss referee Massimo Busacca whistled for a flagrant failure to Lahm.

There was little doubt it was a foul and the only question was whether Turkey was within the zone or not - but the official gave nothing.

The match was even more in the second half with both defences looking far less charitable to the opening period.

The ever-threatening Boral fired a shot on rare Lehmann in the 71 st minutes before former Aston Villa midfielder Hitzlsperger saw his effort go left leg just wide at the top.

Germany took the lead through Klose on 79 minutes. Rustu expected favorite to go out and claim Lahm lofted cross into the area, but Klose beat both the goalkeeper and Topal the ball to send a header glance unattended on a network.

That might have explained the end of the hopes somewhere, but Turkey has shown a stubborn opponent in the three previous matches and, surprisingly, they managed to net another late goal.

Sabri sent over a low cross and Semih managed to overlook the ball past Lehmann for his near post.

That is not the end of drama despite the fact that Germany showed its determination of compensation in the last oh winner over Bayern Munich full-back Lahm, who raced into the area before being elected by Hitzlsperger and maintained his composure to fire in past Rustu near the top.

"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. "

"Cesc wary of the dangers of Arshavin"

Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas admits his side will have to pay special attention to Russia playmaker Andrei Arshavin when the two nations meet in the Euro 2008 semi-finals on Thursday.

Arshavin fue el único jugador que desempeñar en todos los 12 de Rusia de partidos de clasificación, pero una tarjeta roja contra Andorra significaba que estaba suspendido por la apertura de dos partidos de grupo en Austria y Suiza - incluida su lado la derrota 4-1 a España.

Desde entonces, aunque los 27 años de edad, Zenit de San Petersburgo estrella se ha dedicado a impulsar su ya impresionante reputación con una serie de pantallas finas, y él podría ser un actor clave en la semi-final contra España.

Media especulación sugiere Arshavin podría ser un equipo de mate-Fabregas en el Arsenal la próxima temporada, pero mientras que el centrocampista España admite que fue anteriormente en la oscuridad acerca de su próximo oponente talentos, que ya no es el caso.

"Lo vi (contra Holanda), que es un buen jugador. Yo no lo conocía antes pero se ve bien por lo que tenemos que ser cuidadosos, "dijo Fabregas.

Fabregas se trata de períodos de origen después de ganar el terreno tiro a su lado la pena de 4-2 tiroteo en ganar más de Italia en Viena, un resultado que envió a España a través de los últimos cuatro.

Los 21 años de edad, es cualquier cosa menos un beneficiario de pena de club o país, sino que dispararon pasado Gianluigi Buffon con aplomo para ganar España su primera victoria sobre la competencia Italia desde 1920.

Al hablar de su éxito patada, Fabregas dijo: 'La meta se convirtió en un poco pequeño cuando miré, pero afortunadamente para mí me marcó.

«Fue el ganador, pero si mis compañeros no había anotado antes y si (Iker) Casillas no almacenar dos podría haber sido diferente '.

Fabregas España y sus compañeros ahora su atención a los rusos como se ven a pasar un paso más cerca de su primer Campeonato de Europa gana desde 1964.

España registró una fuerte victoria sobre Rusia en su grupo coincide con la apertura, pero Fabregas - que anotó su lado de la meta final después de David Villa había golpeado un sombrero de truco - sabe las cosas es poco probable que sea lo más cómodo este momento.

"Sabemos que será un juego completamente diferente. Ellos tienen calidad, son competitivos, los jóvenes, y creo que será muy muy difícil ', dijo.

"Euro 2008 match prior - Croatia v Turkey"

The Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna will be a glorious day backdrop for the second Euro 2008 quarter-finals as Croatia and Turkey battle for the right to assemble last night winners Germany in the last four.

Last night's classic encounter between Germany and Portugal already lifted the lofty level of football in this competition to new heights, and enthusiasts from all over the continent are expected over the same tonight in one of Europe most cultured cities.

It is only the third meeting between the two nations since Croatia joined the Fifa in 1992. Easily the most important was the game at Euro 96, that Croats won 1-0. It should be noted that the current Turkey coach Fatih Terim's team is also responsible at that time during his first spell as manager, while the Croatia coach Slaven Bilic was playing in the centre half.

Does this prove to be an omen for tonight is crucial match? Whatever happens, history will be - both teams have never advanced beyond the quarterfinals phase, a fact that has to change tonight. Bilic and his team have won many friends and admirers in the past two years and his rise to the top of Europe's coaching tree has been meteoric. Won 44 caps for his country as a player, Bilic took over the national side in 2006 following a successful spell in charge of the U21s Croatia.

He took with him his backroom staff of former colleagues in the national team Aljosa Asanovic and Robert Prosinecki, and quickly became Croatia in Europe one of the best teams. The self-confidence His mixture of youth, experience, technical ability, tactical awareness and supreme self-confidence proved too much for England in the qualifying campaign.

A 2-0 victory in Zagreb left the English press bemused, bewildered and embarrassed, but the Croatian players showed that it was not chance of winning 3-2 at Wembley - a game that is meaningless for the Croats already qualified but fatal importance for England and now left their former coach, Steve McClaren. The usual myopia, shaking his fist post-mortem was conducted by the English media following the defeats, even more English fans and journalists not to see the simple truth - that, for all of England considerable shortcomings, Croatia is a wonderful football side.

Having defeated the Germans in the group phase, a result that seems all the more impressive after the defeat of Germany to convince Portugal last night, even the most cynical of skeptics are beginning to recognize the quality of men Bilic. A unit on the Croats on the pitch, which reflects the relationship players have with his coach and his backroom staff.

Some of the biggest players in the workforce, as the Kovac brothers, played in the national team with Bilic and his assistants during the late 1990, while the young players have been a mentor and guide them for several years through his initial involvement with the U21. His style of play directly reflects its coach, a lawyer who speaks four languages and plays guitar for a banda de rock in his spare time.

The music and the slope that leads wherever they go proudly suggests that he possesses an artistic and whimsical streak to go with his obvious intelligence, concentration and passion for his embryonic nation. In the field Croats show the same qualities through its fluid movement, technical adventure, iron determination and self belief that guests are important in European football's most exclusive parties.

They have undeniably is the strongest tournament has progressed. A nervous victory against co-hosts Austria in their opening match was followed by the glorious triumph over the Germans, while their 1-0 victory over Poland is undoubtedly equally impressive due to the fact that Croatia were already qualified, Poland had to win to stand any chance of qualification for the knockout phase and Bilic rested nine of their best players.

The result showed two things - Bilic's ability to motivate fringe players and strength in depth of the Croatian squad, something that was questioned by almost all sectors of the media before the tournament. Croatia will be comfortable favourites for tonight's game, in which Bilic is likely to return to the party that beat Germany last week.

Being the hope that the elegant, Tottenham-bound midfielder, Luke Modric (of which only Bilic claims Kaka is superior in a playmaker role), maintained his excellent form, and that the much travelled striker Ivica Olic Hamburg can still replace magnificently in advance for absentee Eduardo Arsenal. The defense must not ignore - with a single goal to give the group stage, Holland is the only record compared to theirs.

The only injury doubt, in relation to men broad Ivan Rakitic and Darijo Srna have been dispelled. "We are not complacent and we will not stop," Bilic told the press on Thursday after being asked if he was satisfied with his team's progress. "We intend to go as far as possible. Of course we are under pressure and the pressure is increasing, but it's a positive pressure and we welcome it. You can only motivate us."

Bilic also had a word of warning to his players in terms of their opponents tonight and never-say-die attitude that helped them overcome enormous odds in their last match of the group, a dramatic 3-2 victory over the well-fancied Czech Republic. "The results of Turkey and how they were reached in shows how strong they are," he said. "They have good morals and not give up. It is laudable, but also shows they have a weakness. Nobody wants to track in every game and have to go back."

Russian Mountain As recognized Bilic, is Turkey who have had their fans to the roller coaster largest so far in the finals. That fell behind each of their Group A matches, failing to turn the tide in an opening defeat to group winners Portugal, but again increasing danger in the coming games against Switzerland and the Czechs. This last game, they had to win to guarantee qualification, saw overcome a 2-0 deficit and sending goalkeeper Volkan Demirel in the last fifteen minutes to defeat their more fancied rivals 3-2. T

he party has already called 'The miracle of Geneva "by the German press and has been the most dramatic of the finals so far. As with the Croats, the Turkish squad are a reflection of their manager, the pugnacious Fatih Terim, who enjoys his second season as team leader. He is a former captain determined in Turkey, their motivation and skills are well known across Europe thanks to his appearances in Italy as director of the Serie A, four consecutive league titles in Galatasaray in the late 90 and its defeat Arsenal Wenger at Arsenal in the 2000 final of the Uefa Cup, when Gala became the first club turkish to win a European title.

Terim is likely to return to club football after the finals, and will be no surprise if it ends in one of Europe's biggest clubs. The Turkey coach has several first-class players to choose from for tonight's game, although suspensions Mehmet Aurelio in midfield and goalkeeper Demirel it causes a slight headache. Colin Kazim-Richards, once of Sheffield United and Bury, could be given his first start in place of Aurelius, while veteran goalkeeper Rustu Recber may replace Demirel - becoming the oldest player ever in the European Championship and earn his 117th cap in the process.

Turkey has eight players a yellow card away from suspension and the staff have received more letters than any other in the finals so far. With injuries to four of their other players, including experienced and influential midfielder Emre Belozoglu, Terim undoubtedly be deposited their hopes of progression in his forwards.

Fenerbahce's Semih Senturk, Tuncay Sanli from Middlesbrough and Villarreal have impressed Nihat Kahveci, while the Galatasaray midfielder Arda Turan Goalscoring has been a revelation. All must be in the song tonight if the Turks are to have any chance of making the semi-finals for the first time in its history. "We will have no excuses," said Terim media on Wednesday. "No matter who plays in the rear, in the center of the field or in advance. The important thing is how the players perform, not the names on their shirts. All of our injured players are important to us, but their replacements are equally so ".

"For once we hope that we can start the game, but if we are not ready for 90 minutes, 120 minutes or penalties, and we lost none of our courage." By Mark Robinson Likely teams: Croatia: Pletikosa; Corluka, R Kovac, Simunic, Pranjic; Srna, Modric, N Kovac, Rakitic; Kranjcar; Olic Turkey: Rustu; Altintop, Emre Asik, Gokhan Zan, Hakan Balta; Mehmet Topal, Kazim-Richards, Arda Turan, Tuncay; Nihat, Semih Referee: Roberto Rosetti (Ita)