Comeback kings Turkey achieved the impossible for the third successive time at Euro 2008 as they booted out Slaven Bilic’s side in Vienna and secured a spot in the last four for the first time in the history of the European Championships.

Fatih Terim’s side looked dead and buried when a goalkeeping error from Rustu Recber allowed Ivan Klasnic to head home in the 119^th minute, but Semih Senturk smashed home a stunning equalizer with mere seconds left on the clock to take the game to penalties. And in the lottery of shootouts, Turkey kept their nerve, while Croatia, who would have won this game nine out of ten times in normal time, lost theirs.

Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic shot their penalties wide, while Rustu redeemed himself by getting a hand to Mladen Petric’s strike. Goal hero Senturk, Arda Turan and Hamit Altintop did not make any mistake with their spotkicks, as the Turks won 3-1 in the shootout.

Turkey, missing the suspended duo of Mehmet Aurelio and Volkan Demirel, seemed content to be second best for most of the game, and only attempted to stifle the Croatians. Slaven Bilic side had many opportunities to close the game themselves- Modric, Srna and Olic all having chances, but had to wait till Rustu’s moment of madness allowed Modric to cross for substitute Klasnic to head home. Turkey looked the fresher side in extra time, but Croatia did deserve their lead. At that moment, Bilic’s joy knew no bounds, while Fatih “ The Emperor “ Terim seemed disappointed with his players. Barely seconds later, the situation was reversed as Rustu kicked the ball upfront, and Senturk slammed in a dramatic equaliser. Senturk is known as the “Lifeguard” among Fenerbahce fans, and his goal certainly gave Turkey a late escape route after Croatia had thought that they had the match sealed and wrapped up. Bilic was still arguing with the officials, but the damage had been done. Croatia lost their composure, the signs were ominous, when Modric, their best player on the night, shot wide with the opening kick.

For Turkey, the dream still goes on. However they will have to do with Sanli Tuncay, Arda Turan, Emre Asik and Volkan Demirel against Germany, with all of them suspended.