Reigning champions Germany were fortunate to escape with a goalless draw in their Euro 2000 qualifier on Saturday but it was all they needed to reach the finals as winners of Group Three.

As many Turkish fans as Germans packed out the Olympic stadium in Munich and despite a bright start from the home side, Turkey plagued a listless German defence throughout the first half with German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn doing well to keep out chances from Sergen Yalcin and Tayfun Korkut.

German manager Erich Ribbeck had strong words with his team at half-time, substituting Liverpool's Dietmar Hamann for Christian Nerlinger, and Germany made a stronger start to the second half.

A strong curving drive by captain Lothar Matthaeus in the 46th minute went just wide and Turkish goalkeeper Rustu Recber did well to stop a volley by AC Milan striker Oliver Bierhoff one minute later.

There were heart-stopping moments for the Germans late in the game when the Turks went very close to scoring, including a shot into the side-netting by Okan Buruk.

"We're happy to get the qualification because we played better in the second half," said Bierhoff.