Germany coach Joachim Low says his side can ill afford to write off injury-hit Turkey ahead of Wednesday's UEFA EURO 2008 semi-final when the comeback kings look to claim another scalp.
Turkey have poached victory in each of their last three EURO 2008 games with last-gasp goals to floor their opponent when they
themselves had looked dead and buried. Having scored in injury-time to beat Switzerland 2-1 on June 11, Turkey then scored two goals in two minutes at the death four days later against the Czech Republic to snatch a dramatic 3-2 win which put them in the last eight.
And with virtually the last kick of the game in extra time, Semih Senturk equalised against Croatia to take last Friday's quarter-final to penalties and Turkey held their nerve to win the shoot-out 3-1 in Vienna.
Fatih Terim's squad of fighters are struggling with nine injuries or suspensions and have only 13 outfield players available, while Germany have their full squad fit following Thursday's 3-2 quarter-final win over Portugal.
But when asked if Turkey could be written off due to their depleted squad, Low replied: "If you believe that, you only have yourself to blame. We are all familiar with the way Turkey play, they can always claw a goal back.
Turkey always believe in turning the tables and have hit back in situations where no one would have put a penny on them.
Joachim Low full of respect for Germany's semi-final opponents.
"That just seems to give them renewed energy late in the game which is deadly for their opponents. Turkey always believe in turning the tables and have hit back in situations where no one would have put a penny on them.
"Their goals against the Czechs and Croatia were real miracle situations. They go the distance, propelled by a strong national pride, Turkey are even more creative than Portugal, so we have to be in the right mindset."
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