- Photo: Arne List
Who is going to win the Euro 2008 in Switzerland/Austria? The latest betting odds see the Netherlands at the top of the list followed by Spain and Portugal. However, three late goals from Nihat Kahveci against the Czech Republic last night have shown that Turkey can turn an imminent defeat into a win. Is Turkey an insider tip for the title?
It did not yield any positive effects for the Turks when Servet Çetin – just seconds before kick-off – changed his football shoes three times . In the first half the Czech Republic dominated the match, although Turkey put up the pressure after the header goal from Jan Koller (34). After all, it were the Czechs who could score again after 62 minutes in Geneva. The Czech Republic looked comfortable and happy with a lead of two goals and so did the football fans in the stadium and in front of the TVs.
Probably too comfortable – the Turks came back into the game with a goal from Arda Turan (75) and when Nihat Kahveci equalised not only the electric barbecues overheated but also the car tyres and minds of the Turkish fans around the globe. Everything looked like penalties, when Kahveci got behind the defense and kicked Turkey into quarterfinals with a fantastic 23-yard curler.
“I’ve never seen such a match in my whole life”, a Turkish fan confessed after the spectacle in Geneva. He was not alone: Thousands of people rushed onto the streets to celebrate their team with a victory parade and lots of spirits.
Turkey plays Croatia on Friday, 20 June 2008 in Vienna. Stay tuned for a fairytale at Euro 2008.