Löw hails 'winning mentality'

Joachim Löw praised Germany's winning mentality after they produced a 3-2 victory from a UEFA EURO 2008™ semi-final which at times looked to be slipping away from them. Turkey's Fatih Terim, meanwhile, could only applaude the efforts of a team he described as being the "most colourful in the tournament".

Joachim Löw, Germany coach
We are absolutely delighted to have won this semi-final – an incredible feeling. The players themselves are thrilled to have won a game like that. It was a fantastic fight, a great drama, and with the late goals it had everything. After conceding their second goal, we were strong enough mentally to come back and it was an excellent move that resulted in the third goal. It was hard to take conceding at 2-2, but it was a clear sign of our strength of character that we then produced an excellent attack and a brilliant finish. I think we played very well, and I also think they played very well. Technically they are excellent and there were spells in the match where we struggled. It was difficult, but we were clinical and scored three goals which made the difference, from fewer chances than against Portugal in the quarter-final. We showed a winning mentality. Early on, we gave the ball away easily and lost our rhythm. They kept possession well and we ended up hitting long balls. Second half, we might have benefited from a second striker to help keep the ball up front, but the five midfielders were important as they stopped us from being overrun – because Turkey passed the ball really well through midfield. I coached in Turkey and I know that once they get into the groove in a game or in a competition, they are hard to stop. They have great enthusiasm and are fantastic technically. We were worried, but we were lucky to score in the 90th minute. Congratulations to Turkey for a fantastic show.

Fatih Terim, Turkey coach
It has always been important for me to have a team who enjoy what they are doing, who are creative and who score goals. Maybe we haven't always been so exciting in this championship, but today we had it all. I told the players in the dressing room that I am very proud of them. We are leaving as the most colourful team in the tournament, having very nearly made it to the final. If the game had gone to extra time, I think we would have been attacking them again and things would have been different. But unfortunately we suffer from giving away easy goals. These things happen in football – you don't always score, you sometimes concede. I think we were the better side, though, and we have reminded people about Turkey. We were full of energy, which really pleased me, and despite having a young side we showed great spirit when things went against us. Germany are a good team, they are formidable opponents and I wish them luck in the final. But, more than anything, I am proud of my players for showing the world what good players they are.