Turkey still a threat, says Bierhoff

Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff refutes suggestion that the injuries and suspensions affecting the Turkey squad will make his side's task easier in Wednesday's Basel semi-final.

High quality
Turkey coach Fatih Terim could be without nine players, yet even the absence of key striker Nihat Kahveci has had little impact on Bierhoff. "Anyone who thinks the game against Turkey will be easier because of that hasn't been paying much attention to this tournament," he said. "The quality is so high that even the players who come in from the fringes are capable of winning games. And that goes for us too, as fresh players such as Simon Rolfes and Thomas Hitzlsperger proved against Portugal."

Impressed
The former AC Milan forward is nonetheless surprised by Turkey's progress to the semi-finals. "They produced some convincing performances during the group stage and have already come from behind three times, which says a lot about their passion and will to win," he said. "We will have to try and decide the game in our favour quickly to ensure that doesn't happen to us."

Winner
The 40-year-old knows what it takes to win this competition having scored the golden goal that beat the Czech Republic in the final of EURO '96™. It is just one reason why his current charges afford him such respect. "There are times when it holds more water if a former international says something to the team," he said. "It sounds more authentic. I'm always happy to pass on my experience but, generally, they all know what needs to be done."

'Special'
Bierhoff is therefore confident Germany will not underestimate Turkey at St. Jakob-Park. "I can't imagine anybody thinks it will be an easy game. A [UEFA] European Championship semi-final is something special in its own right and against Turkey ... There will be a lot of emotion all over Germany and in the stadium in Basel. Against Portugal, there were more Germans in St. Jakob-Park, but I've been told there are a lot of Turks living in this city. A lack of atmosphere won't be a problem."