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.

Germany’s performance may not have been great in Basle but Mertesacker was able to take one huge positive heading into their final showdown with either Russia or Spain.

“It was our worst game in this tournament, but if you play that bad and still win then you are able to do great things,” he said.

Forward Lukas Podolski felt the way his side played was secondary when compared to the result.

“It doesn’t matter how bad or good we were, the thing that matters is that we are in the final,” he said.

Meanwhile, Turkey striker Colin Kazim-Richards accused Germany of failing to adhere to the spirit of the game in Wednesday night’s clash.

Despite winning plaudits for their display, Turkey were left with a bitter taste due to Philipp Lahm’s 90th-minute match-winning strike.

That goal came after the London-born Kazim-Richards had gone down injured near the halfway line, and the Fenerbahce striker feels Germany should have put the ball out of play.

“I personally think they (Germany) will be a little bit upset with the goal that won the game for them,” said Kazim-Richards after the match.

“This whole tournament has been based around fair play and I think you saw that we did it (put the ball out) a couple of times, we’ve done it throughout the tournament.’’

Elsewhere, Turkey ‘keeper Rustu Recber announced his international retirement.

The 35-year-old goalkeeper racked up cap number 118 in Wednesday night’s clash.

Rustu said: “I am ending my international career after 14 years, in which I have played with pride and honour for the side.”