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Euro2008 Group A: Switzerland 1 Turkey 2

Turkey's win avenged a loss to the Swiss in a World Cup 2006 play-off


That's football, but the existence of Switzerland will probably not be endangered by getting knocked out. We'll wrap up the tournament in good fashion against Portugal on Sunday and then for me it'll be time to put my feet up '
By Citizen Correspondent Sir Stephen
Date Posted: 06/11/08
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A last-gasp Turkey goal knocks out the co-hosts Switzerland out of Euro 2008 after they come from behind to win 2-1 in Basel...

Euro 2008 co-hosts Switzerland became the first team knocked out of the competition after they lost to Turkey.

The Swiss had taken the lead during a torrential downpour when a low cross slowed on the drenched pitch and allowed Hakan Yakin to tap in. Yakin missed a glorious chance from the same spot and was punished later on when Semih Senturk headed Turkey level. Arda Turan then broke Swiss hearts when he cut inside and scored with a shot in injury-time which took a deflection.

Portugal's win over the Czech Republic earlier on had added to the pressure on the home side as they knew a defeat would result in their elimination.

The situation meant the St Jakob-Park stadium in Basel was a melting pot of nervous tension and passionate support from the Swiss contingent at the start. There was also an extra element of needle around the game after the two teams were involved in a mass brawl at the final whistle of a World Cup 2006 play-off which the Swiss won on away goals.

Turkey's hunger for revenge saw them look the more assured in the early stages, while the prospect of elimination weighed heavily on a lacklustre Switzerland.

The pouring rain did not help the game and the home nation had to produce some last-ditch defending before giving their crowd reason to get excited. Yakin's stinging shot was palmed away by Volkan Demirel before the Turkey keeper excellently touched a Tranquillo Barnetta free-kick round his post.

At the other end, Turkey hit the post when keeper Diego Benaglio pushed a free-kick inadvertently against Arda Turan and the ball richocheted back off the woodwork.


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