Don't underestimate the turks!

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Fatima

@Rhimjhimsawan

Sparkler

+ 5

Posted: 17 years ago

UEFA EURO 2008 SEMI-FINAL
Date: Wed 25 June Kick-off: 1945 BST Venue: St Jakob-Park, Basel
Coverage: Live on BBC ONE and BBC Sport website (UK only), full commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and on BBC Sport website (UK only), full text coverage on BBC Sport website and mobiles with Caroline Cheese

Captain Ballack and coach Low will not underestimate Turkey

Germany captain Michael Ballack believes semi-final opponents Turkey will provide a stiff test on Wednesday because they have a "German mentality". Joachim Low's side are odds-on to beat Fatih Terim's Turkey, who have been decimated by injuries and suspensions. "Turkey have a very German mentality," the 31-year-old Chelsea midfielder told Die Welt newspaper. "They will be a difficult adversary who have nothing to lose because reaching the semis is already an achievement." He added: "They have shown a strong belief and they've scored goals in the closing stages of their matches - it's is something that only Germany does normally."

Turks have a remarkable mentality, are self-confident and can always strike back

Germany coach Joachim Low

Coach Low agreed with Ballack's sentiments. "After winning two or three games, the euphoria is huge and Turkey are extremely convinced in their ability," he stated. "They have been an uncomfortable opponent throughout this tournament and have some technically strong players. "Turks have a remarkable mentality, are self-confident and can always strike back." Meanwhile, Low admitted he thought about quitting after his side's 2-1 defeat by Croatia in their second group game at Euro 2008. Germany have since rallied to beat Austria and shrugged aside Portugal in the last eight. However, Low told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper: "Obviously I had these thoughts (of resigning) but I tried to turn them into positives and not get me down. I try to give the team an air of optimism."

Germany would have gone out of the tournament had they lost to Austria and an early exit would have put Low's position under threat. "We would have had to sit down and consider how the atmosphere was and if it was worth continuing," he added. "I cannot say what would have happened. Maybe a lot would have collapsed around us." Captain Ballack has also hit out at Bayern Munich for unsettling Germany striker Mario Gomez, after they began talks with Stuttgart over the 22-year-old last week. "I certainly find it odd negotiations are taking place during the European Championship," admitted Ballack. "That is not good for the player and disturbs concentration.

"I have always had the view that I have done something before or after a tournament, so that you don't have to be busy with it during the tournament."