The final whistle had sounded just seconds earlier when, try to form, The Koelsch was on the blower. He didn't quite burst into a rousing chorus of Deutschland Uber Alles but I got the message. Never write off those big bad Germans! As if I would. Unfortunately, having stuck a score on Ballack and the Bundesboys for a half-time/full-time result, I didn't quite share his elation. Indeed, at one point in the first half, it looked like Turkey would have been a better bet, with Kazim Richards seemingly intent on demolishing the woodwork when he smashed a shot off the crossbar.
They had bossed the early stages of the game and were worthy of the lead when Ugur Boral fired the ball between Jens Lehmann's legs after 22 minutes. Turkey might have pulled off a shock if they had managed to stay in front for any length of time but Schweinsteiger levelled the scores just four minutes later and my bet was 'on' again. A wild Podolski effort when Klose was well placed for a cut-back had me roaring at the screen but, in truth, the Turks were the team who looked more likely to score.
Having also had a wee flutter on a correct score of 2-1, the referee's character was called into question early in the second half when he turned a blind eye to Lahm being tumbled on the edge of the box but it looked like I might get some joy when, with Rustu going walkabout, Klose dinked a header over him and into an empty net from ten yards. All over? Don't you believe it!
Never mind don't write off the Germans, don't dare right off these Turks. With five minutes left Semih got in at the near post to make it 2-2 and another bookies line bounced off the goggle box. But just as I was settling down for extra-time, Lahm got in behind the defence to hammer the winner into the back of the net. Cue a phone call from Cologne!!!
So twelve years after their last European Championship success, Germany are back in the Final, although they can hardly be brimming over with confidence. Against a Turkish team badly hit by injuries and suspensions, they really should have been comfortable winners, hence my donation to Ladbrokes benevolent fund. A similarly sloppy show against either Russia or Spain on Sunday will have The Koelsh crying into his koelsch. I might even phone him to offer a few words of consolation.
LITTLE BOY BLUE