Portugal v Germany

Portugal v Germany

19/06/2008

Portugal went in to this game, the first quarter final, after coming first in their group with six points. Germany also came through with six points, but after their unexpected loss to Croatia they finished second in the group.

Portugal started well straight from the kick off, playing good football and creating some good midfield play, but in the first ten minutes or so, both teams seemed reluctant to go forward and try and score.

But then Germany changed the match and how it was played when on the twenty fourth a German counter attack and a brilliant low cross from Klose resulted in Bastian Schweinsteiger prodding in the ball at the near post.

Portugal now knew they would have to score at least two goals to win this game, and winning was a must, but their nightmares came true and just four minutes after the first goal, the Germans scored again. This time the goal came from a free kick on the left and Klose lost his marker and jumped high to head the ball past Portuguese goal keeper Ricardo, who got a touch to it, but couldn't keep it out.

Germany looked likely to score another for most of the half, with Portugal found a way back in to the game when on the fourtieth minute, Cristiano Ronaldo made a blistering run in to the German penalty area, where his shot was saved by Jens Lehmann, but the ball rebounded out to Nuno Gomes who made no mistake from close range.

In the second half, Germany still looked the more likely team to score, playing good football, and it was on the sixtieth minute when they scored their third goal. It was very similar to Klose's goal, a free kick from the left, but this time Michael Ballack headed the ball in.

Germany still looked dominant, but the Portuguese managed to set the game up for an exciting ending when three minutes before the end, Nani crossed to Postiga to head the ball in.

Portugal couldn't find a way back, but it was a sensational game, with Germany mostly dominating, and they deserved the win to go through to the semi finals.

Final Score:

Portugal 2 – 3 Germany