Lahm sends Germany into final

The Turks broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute through Ugur Boral, but Bastian Schweinsteiger equalised five minutes later.

Turkey then recovered from going behind to Miroslav Klose's header by levelling themselves when Semih Senturk nipped in at the near post with just four minutes left, but Lahm had the last laugh, rifling home a superb finish as extra time loomed to earn the Germans a date in the final with either Spain or Russia in Vienna on Sunday.

The Germany defence was all at sea in the opening stages, while there was little to encourage Joachim Low's side going forward either as Turkey bossed proceedings. It was therefore not unexpected when Turkey took a deserved lead in the 22nd minute through Boral.

The chance came after Colin Kazim-Richards had hit the Germany crossbar for the second time - this time with an effort that looped up into the air and onto the bar - and Boral was on hand to slot home the rebound, despite Jens Lehmann's best efforts on the line.

Turkey's joy was shortlived though, as Germany equalised with their first chance of the match five minutes later through Schweinsteiger. Lukas Podolski sent over a low cross from the left and Schweinsteiger darted 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.

Deep into the second half, and just as the match looked to be drifting towards extra-time, Germany took the lead through Klose in the 79th minute. Rustu looked favourite to come out and claim Lahm's lofted cross into the area, but Klose beat both Rustu and Topal to the ball to send a glancing header into an unguarded net.

That might have spelt the end of some side's hopes, but Turkey had proven themselves an obstinate opponent in the three previous matches and, astonishingly, they managed to net yet another late goal. Sabri Sarioglu sent over a low cross and Semih managed to poke the ball past Lehmann at his near post.

That was not the end of the drama though as Germany showed their own determination by netting a last-gasp winner through Lahm.

Lahm raced into the Turkey area before being picked out by Thomas Hitzlsperger, and the Bayern Munich full-back showed remarkable composure to fire past Rustu into the near top corner, sending Germany into the final.