Per positive after below-par display

GERMANY’S performance in their Euro 2008 semi-final triumph over Turkey was their worst in the tournament according to defender Per Mertesacker, but he believes that can only bode well for the final.

Germany were given a going over by a makeshift Turkey side during the first half of Wednesday’s night’s clash, but despite seeing their goal peppered with shots and the woodwork struck twice, Joachim Low’s men still somehow managed to reach half-time level at 1-1.

The second half was more evenly-fought but there was still no point at which Germany looked to be in total control until Philipp Lahm smashed in what would prove to be the winning goal in the 90th minute.