Turkey are still there. And again, there are plenty of "better" teams who are not. Italy, Holland, France and Portugal have all been dismissed, yet all would start as strong favorites in any bookmaker`s market against Turkey.

Starting the tournament with a 2-0 loss to Portugal also didn`t faze them enough to prevent them from bouncing back to win their next match.

Being behind early in the past three matches didn`t dent their spirit too much either, as on each occasion they have rallied back for a dramatic win.

Turkey, more than any other team, has been plagued with injuries and suspensions, yet even this has not crushed them.

Now they hope to achieve their fourth straight win when they face Germany. History suggests that Germany should have no trouble defeating Turkey. Recent events, however, tell a quite different story.

Despite their misfortunes, Terim`s team is confident, and even if Germany win the match, they must do so the hard way. The Turks are not about to go out quietly without a fight.

"We have courage and believe in our chances, " says Terim. "We respect Germany, but we are not afraid of them."

Who can say if Halil Altintop`s words of so many weeks ago were prophecy or mere bravado? Regardless, one thing we must all have learned during the past two weeks is that Turkey does not need a miracle. All they need is a good day.