Turkey won many hearts at Euro 2008 and showed they can become a major force in world soccer thanks to their determination, skill and grace.

Coach Fateh Terim who said he would probably quit following Wednesday’s agonizing 3-2 defeat by Germany in the semifinal, deserves huge credit for the way he has handled himself.

Injuries and suspensions tore the heart out of his team with goalkeeper Volkan Demirel banned for Wednesday and striker Nihat Kahveci ruled out alongside midfielder Emre Belozuglu. Three more suspensions and a host of injuries made Terim’s starting line almost pick itself yet the Turks still dominated the Germans for most half of the game.

There were no sour grapes from Terim though, “We are leaving as one of the most colourful teams here. We were almost there but this is football. We respect our opponents. I am very, very proud of my team,” he told reporters.

Winger Kazim Kazim who hit the bar twice, enhanced his reputation with a mature performance while Ugar Boral, who scored his first, was a real handful on the left. Throughout the tournament they have fought until the very end for their fanatical fans and their reward will be a heroes’ welcome when they return, just like when they reached the last four at the 2002 World Cup.

Their success really is no fluke.