Portugal 2 v 3 Germany: Germany Through to Semi-Finals

June 20, 2008 by CLDsport

The first quarter-final has seen Germany beat Portugal 3-2 and advance to the semi-finals.

After a near perfect group stage performance, Portugal were below par on Thursday night in Basel, and Germany finally found their feet after some unconvincing performances thus far - despite coming into the tournament as favourites.

It took the Germans just over 20 minutes to break the deadlock, and it was Bastian Schweinsteiger who done so, side-footing a Podolski cross past Ricardo in the Portuguese goal.

It took only 4 minutes for the lead to be doubled, and Schweinsteiger was involved again. His free-kick was curled in perfectly for Klose to head home - after Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to allow him a free run.

With Germany 2-0 up after just 26 minutes, you still wouldn’t bet against the Portuguese clawing back the deficit with the attacking talent coach Scolari has available. Despite this, the German’s were looking much more accomplished than they appeared in their group matches. Schweinsteiger’s inclusion in the starting line-up seemed to give them the spark they had been missing in previous matches.

As bad went to worse for Portugal, when Moutinho was forced to leave with an injury after half an hour, the German’s grew more and more confident.

It was Portugal, however, who scored next. In the 41st minute, Cristiano Ronaldo’s shot was saved, but Nuno Gomes followed up and fired the ball home to make it 2-1.

The game became fantastically open, with action moving from end-to-end. Beautiful, flowing football from both teams that you couldn’t take your eyes off.

With the match finely poised for a riveting final 30 minutes, Portugal’s defence fell asleep - and not for the first time. Schweinsteiger curled in another pin-point free-kick for Ballack to head home Germany’s 3rd. Replays did suggest that the German midfielder may have pushed Chelsea team-mate Ferreira to reach the cross, but the goal was allowed to stand. I’m sure the two players will be having a friendly discussion about that one when the Chelsea squad get together after the summer break!

Germany, renowned for their efficiency and organisation, effectively shut out Portugal once they had gained the 2 goal advantage. The Portuguese were resorting to long shots, and it simply wasn’t working.

With 3 minutes left on the clock, substitute Postiga (formerly of Tottenham Hotspur) pulled one back for Portugal, to set up a dramatic finale. It simply wasn’t to be, and the German’s deserved the win that takes them through to the last four.

Scolari will be disappointed to end his career with Portugal this way, but he has had great success, and will be a welcome addition to the Premier league next season.

What are your thoughts on the match?

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