PHILIP LAHM, who snatched victory for Germany at St Jakob-Park last night, said: "It was one of most beautiful moments in my life, getting into the final."

Lahm added: "That's always beautiful. We missed that at the (2006) World Cup. Today it worked out.

"We're going to celebrate first of all and then prepare for the final. We want to win the title. The atmosphere here is sensational."

Germany's delighted coach Joachim Loew said: "It was an insane battle, incredible tension up till the last second. That makes me obviously very happy."

Turkish coach Fatih Terim said: "I congratulate Germany for their win and wish them success for the final but I am proud of my players and think their will to play well, and the technical support, all came together and they were able to show the world what a good team they were.

"I think we are leaving as the most colourful team of the tournament. We can say we were almost there, but that is part of football as well."

Terim added that he would probably step down after his side's defeat last night. "Most probably after speaking to the federation president and the players I will choose to say this is what I have done," he said.

"I had declared earlier I would not be working in Turkey. I am a man who keeps my promises. So I will most probably go back to a European country."