Co-host shown the door

Published : Jun 21, 2008 00:00 IST

Switzerland V Turkey (GROUP A)

Turkey�s Arda Turan stunned Switzerland with an injury-time goal at a rain-soaked St. Jakob-Park Stadium to knock the Euro 2008 co-hosts out of the tournament.

Hakan Yakin opened the scoring for Switzerland in the 32nd minute but substitute Semih Senturk�s equaliser shortly before the hour mark left both teams searching for their first win in Group A. Just as the game looked to be headed for a draw, Arda struck from the edge of the area. His right-footed effort deflected off a Swiss defender and into the goal to silence the home crowd.

Both teams struggled with the very wet conditions but it did not spoil the atmosphere for the packed fans in the stadium.

Switzerland had their first shot on goal in the 19th minute, with Gokhan Inler�s 30-yard strike forcing Demirel into action.

Turkey may have dominated the early part of the match but that soon changed. Midway through the first half, Yakin warmed the hands of Demirel with a stinging left-footed drive which the goalkeeper palmed away for a corner.

Demirel�s next contribution was more spectacular with the goalkeeper making a one handed save from Tranquilo Barnetta�s curled free-kick.

Switzerland went into the lead when a long ball from Philippe Senderos was controlled by Eren Derdiyok who served an unmarked Yakin at the far post for an easy tap-in.

Turkey coach Fatih Terim made two substitutions after the re-start, with Mehmet Topal replacing Tumer Metin in midfield and Senturk replacing Gokdeniz Karadeniz. What a move it proved to be as Senturk scored 10 minutes later. He latched onto Nihat�s cross from the left and his powerful header beat the Swiss goalkeeper Diego Benaglio.

On the hour mark, Tuncay fired wide from the edge of the area as the Turks kept going forward. Servet Cetin made a crucial tackle as Hamit Altintop threatened to break clear inside the area. Turkey should have taken the lead in the 73rd minute as Tuncay curled in an inviting cross which Nihat was unable to connect at the far post but they continued to battle and their efforts paid off.?

Cindy Garcia-Bennett

© PA Sport, 2008, All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, re-written, re-distributed or commercially exploited. Sportstar is not responsible for any inaccuracy in the material.

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