Turkey beats Switzerland 2-1 at Euro 2008

Source: Agencies  |   2008-6-12  |     ONLINE EDITION

TURKEY coach Fatih Terim's calls for heavenly help were answered when the rains let up. His players took care of the rest.

Arda Turan scored in injury time yesterday to give Turkey a 2-1 win over Switzerland that eliminated the co-hosts from the European Championship.

Turan scored in the second minute of injury time, sending a right-footed shot from outside the area that deflected in off Switzerland defender Patrick Mueller, capping a comeback that began after the torrential downpour that marked the first half stopped.

"I did wish for rain to stop. I did pray to God for that," said Terim, who first thought the rain would help his team. "We couldn't predict mud in the middle of the summer."

Substitute Semih Senturk also scored for Turkey, heading in a cross in the 57th minute, after Hakan Yakin had given Switzerland the lead in torrential rain in the 32nd.

"It's not easy to come back from a goal down at the European Championship, considering we hit the woodwork once," Terim said. "But we fought a lot in the second half and we created many opportunities. God willing, we will win against Czech Republic and reach the next round."

Switzerland became only the second European Championship host to be eliminated before the last four. Euro 2000 co-host Belgium also failed to get through the group stage.

"Of course the disappointment is huge," Switzerland coach Koebi Kuhn said. "But I can't blame it on any player or anyone else. We lost twice unluckily."

The result was enough to send Portugal through to the quarterfinals from Group A. The Portuguese beat the Czech Republic 3-1 in Geneva. The Turks and Czechs will play for the final spot from the group on Sunday.

The game, which was played through a first-half downpour that left the field at St. Jakob Park soaked, was heading for a draw when Turan's shot hit defender Patrick Mueller and looped over goalkeeper Diego Bengalio.