Edge out Portugal 3-2 in a thriller to book place in Semis
It couldnot have come at the right time. Criticized for their lacklusture show in the Euro 2008, Germany came out with one of their best performances so far to edge out Portugal 3-2 and book a place in the semis. They now face the winners of Croatia/Turkey Match.
Germany dominated the proceedings right from the beginning and took lead in the 22nd Minute when Bastian Schweinsteiger found target from a low cross by Podolski beating Ricardo. The score 1-0 in favor of Germany. More was in store later when a free kick was awarded to Germany four minutes later. The free kick taken by Schweinsteiger was headed home by Miroslav Klose and Germany lead 2-0 as early as 26th Minute of the first half.
Everyone must have felt that there would be no further twists to the tale and Germany would win with a 2-0 margin. But that was not to be. With just five minutes left for the first half to end, Nuno Gomes, the portugal skipper pulled one back for his team. Simão’s crossfield ball sent Ronaldo racing clear of Per Mertesacker down the inside-left channel and though Jens Lehmann blocked his shot, Gomes was first to the rebound, striking first time into the net via the foot of Christoph Metzelder, defending desperately on the line. It was Gomes’s sixth goal on the European stage over three tournaments – a scoring span only achieved by Jürgen Klinsmann, Thierry Henry and Vladimír Šmicer before him. Half time score 2-1 in favour of Germany and an exciting match ahead. There were many missed chances like when Ronaldo came close to scoring moments before half time but put the ball wide off the far post.
Portugal came close to scoring again in the second half when Deco netted the ball but the goal was disallowed as he was offside and again the little midfielder flicked on a Simão corner to set up Pepe, only for the defender to nod over.
In the 61st minute however, Germany restored their 2 goal lead when Micheal Ballack headed home a Schweinsteiger free kick. The score line read 3-1 in Germany’s favor. But that was not the end of the tale. Scolari sent on Nani and Postiga as Portugal chased the game in search of two goals that would force the game into extra time. The pair combined to ensure a nervy finale when Postiga headed in from Nani’s left-wing delivery and reduced the lead with just 2 minutes left for the final whistle. The Scoreline 3-2 in favor of Germany. There were no further twists to the tale as Germany won the match and advanced to the semis where they await the winners of Croatia V/s. Turkey match.
In the absence of regular coach Joachim Low, who was serving his one match suspension from the technical area by UEFA, it was his assisstant Hans-Dieter Flick who was in charge of the team. Joachim Low will join the team for the semi final clash
Filed under: All Round German Supermacy, Euro 2008, Sports , germany, portugal, quarter final, quarter final euro 2008
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