Germany and Turkey

A lot has been written about the social implications of today's semifinal in Germany. Nearly 2 million people of recent Turkish decent currently reside in Germany, and its an open question as to how the nation will respond today if Turkey win. I've already logged my thoughts about Germany fans; Turkey's fans have their own tradition of violence. There is likely to be more fireworks (literally and figuratively) among the fans than on the pitch. 

5 Things to look for today:

1) Will Rustu command his box? Rustu wasn't expected to get much playing time, but a bizarre red card by Volkan Demirel in the final group game has thrust Rustu into the spotlight. He was nearly remembered for taking a stroll out of his box at the exact wrong time.  Now he could be remembered as a great mid-tournament adjustment. It would be interesting to see if Turkey progress, does Terim go with Rustu or reinsert his #1 having completed his two game suspension. Look for Germany to get at least one goal off a set piece. Will that be enough?

2) Can Lehman not be an idiot for another 90 minutes? How Lehman has kept his place as Germany's #1 is beyond me, but so far this tournament, he has only had one ridiculously comical moment (and few additional humorous moments). That was against Croatia, when he contrived to miss a shot completely, only to watch it bounce off the post and straight to a Croatian who tapped into an open goal. Having watched Lehman for years at Arsenal (the greatest travesty being that Lehman is "credited" with anchoring the Invincibles team of 2003/04 - never has any player done less for such an amazing feat), I know well that while you can trust Lehman to make a big save or two, you can also trust him to make a horrible blunder when you least expect it. That can kill you in big games. Will Lehman play the goat again today?

3) Does Tolga Zengin score? With only 13 field players fit and suspension-free for Turkey today, at some point late in the game, we may well see Tolga trot on as the third allowed sub. Most likely, he will come in for defensive support or as an additional striker. You can probably get good odds on him scoring today - might be worth a quid or two.

4) Can Bastian Schweinsteiger's hair blaze a trail forward for German attackers? Like a beacon of hope in a sea of despair, Bassy is the easiest German player to pick out on the field because he possesses both the brightest hair and the most pace and creativity of an industrious German midfield. Bassy got two substitution appearances and one red card in the Group Stages, as Germany struggled to get through (make no mistake, if Poland doesn't lose its collective mind trying to play an offside trap 40 meters up the field, Germany doesn't advance). Coming off the one game suspension, Schweinsteiger was inserted into the starting lineup and produced a virtuosos performance - one goal, two assists, and a constant menace. If he replicates the performance, Germany cruise into the finals.

5) How many people are rushed to local hospitals because of heart attacks? The cardiac kids will try one more time to pull off the unthinkable (though I guess it is thinkable now). Turkey is just not comfortable playing from in front, so watch them spot Germany a one goal lead and then hang around until the 90th minute. After everything you have seen in this tournament, how could you not expect them to score late?