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Soccer chief to kill 1,111 rams if Turkey beat Germany in Basel

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President of the Turkish Football Federation Hasan Dogan has promised to sacrifice 1,111 rams if his country beats Germany tonight and goes through to the 2008-Euro final, local media said on Wednesday.
ANKARA, June 25 (RIA Novosti) - President of the Turkish Football Federation Hasan Dogan has promised to sacrifice 1,111 rams if his country beats Germany tonight and goes through to the 2008-Euro final, local media said on Wednesday.

Turkey qualified for their ever first European semifinal last week after beating Croatia 3-1 in a tense penalty shootout. They are now set to meet Germany in Basel, Switzerland, at 18:45 GMT.

"We lack players, but all those who remain are in a decisive mood. There is a good team spirit and it inspires us," Dogan said in an interview with local television.

Turkey's bench for the match will only feature 14 players as nine players are unable to play due to injury and suspension.

Turkish celebration after the country's quarterfinal victory last week were marred by tragedy when one man was shot dead and at least 23 people wounded by stray bullets as people fired rounds into the air, despite an official ban on the tradition.

Authorities have toughened sentences for illegal shootings with offenders facing up to three years in prison if found guilty. In Istanbul alone, 50 people were detained for the offense.

If Turkey does win then there are sure to be wild celebrations in Germany, which has close ties with Ankara and over 2 million Turkish migrants living in the country.

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