Story by RAVIPHAN PAVASUTHIPAND

The Euro 2008 Championships have proven to be one of the most unpredictable tournaments so far.

As the competition reaches the semi-final stage, two pre-tournament favourites and two surprise packages are left to battle it out for Henri Delaunay's trophy.

Three-time champions Germany will play "comeback kings" Turkey while Dutch conquerors Russia will take on the talented Spaniards.

Germany were many people's favourites for the title but a loss to Croatia in the group stage certainly took a shine off Joachim Loew's team. The Germans were left in a must-win situation against co-hosts Austria in their last group match to qualify and they managed to scrape through with a 1-0 victory.

Not many people were totally convinced that they would beat in-form Portugal in the quarter-finals, but when it comes to the crunch, you can always count on the Germans to deliver the goods. They silenced their doubters with an impressive 3-2 win over a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Portuguese side, who had convincingly won all their group matches. Germany have gone from strength to strength as the tournament goes on.

Spain have a team that is strong in virtually every position. They have one of the best goalkeepers in the world, pacy fullbacks, a technically sound midfield, and mobile and skilful strikers. The Spaniards lived up to expectations after winning all their group matches and strolled into the quarter-finals without much trouble.

In the quarter-finals, Spain knocked out world champions Italy on penalties with midfielder Cesc Fabregas netting the winner. Spain really were the better side in that match. They played a good, attacking football but just couldn't convert while the Italians played a very defensive game. It was boring at times watching the match with the Italians being so negative. Justice was done with the Spaniards going through and the Italians deserved to lose after a performance like that.

While Germany and Spain were always the bookies' favourites to go far in this tournament, the success of Turkey and Russia has surprised a lot of people. But at the same time, it showed that there's not much difference now when it comes to the standard of football played by these teams, especially those who made it to the finals.

Turkey beating Croatia and Russia knocking out Holland were indeed surprise results but no way miracles. Turkey and Russia are both good teams and have some very talented players in their squads. They have sprung surprises with luck and good tactics.

Turkey have technically outstanding players.

Their midfield is neat and tidy. The Turks' big problem seems to be at the back where their centrebacks lack pace.

Russia meanwhile have a lot to thank Guus Hiddink for. He was the man behind their impressive quarter-final victory over the Netherlands. The fact that Russia were all over the Dutch side just showed how amazing Hiddink is. It sometimes made you wonder that maybe Hiddink actually knew more about the Dutch team than their coach Marco van Basten did.

Spain and Russia will be a cracking game. It will be interesting to see how it goes. Will the perennial under-achievers finally go all the way? Many believe this could be Spain's tournament at long, long last. And Hiddink will probably be the best man to answer that question. The veteran Dutch coach will work overtime to figure out a way to avenge his team's 4-1 defeat in the group phase.

As for the Germany v Turkey semi-final. Will the Turks' luck finally run out with so many players injured or suspended? Turkey will probably struggle to field a team against Germany who are now on a roll and high on confidence. But I think by now we have all learned not to rule out the Turks. They could yet spring another surprise.

The Greeks completed their fairytale run in Portugal four years ago. Who knows, maybe it's Turkey or Russia's turn to have a dream finish this time around.