PORTUGAL 2 vs 3 GERMANY
Portugal: Nuno Gomes 40, Hélder Postiga 87
Germany: Schweinsteiger 22, Klose 26, Ballack 61
Entertainment value: 4/5
***
In this battle of flair versus grit, grit prevailed. However, the Germans defence were breached so often that the scoreline failed to tell the whole story. If only the Portugese had converted their chances. As a matter of fact, their number of shots, sometimes ambitious ones, were doubled that than Germany.
Germany certainly made their chances count. They raced to a 2-0 lead inside the half-hour when makeshift striker Schweinsteiger scored a well-set up goal and Klose headed in a free-kick, poorly defended by Portugal. Before then Portugal were already creating more chances.
Skipper Nuno Gomes breathed some life into the Portugese team when he pulled a goal back after the German central defensive pairing were caught out yet again bringing the first half to a close at 2-1.
At the half hour, Portugal were then trailing by 2 goals again when Ballack headed in another free-kick though there was a hint of a foul as he had blatantly pushed Ferreira before the header. Tough luck and Portugal did not exactly protest.
Portugal continued pouring forward and shooting more shots but it was only until near the end when Postiga combined with Nani, both substitutes, to pull a goal back for 3-2. In the end, it was too little too late.
Portugal did not give Phil Scolari the farewell gift for his impending departure to Chelsea with the Euro trophy but the squad he left behind and the legacy he had built will no doubt be remembered by the fans.
Germany will be pleased with the win but they need to work out their defence before the semi-finals. With two goals coming from set-pieces, future opponents will take note of two fine headers of the ball in Klose and Ballack. Ballack is the driving force in the team and Schweinsteiger excelled with a man-of-the-match performance playing a part with all 3 Germany goals. A rematch with Croatia or an easy-looking tie against Turkey looms.
***
akim the Italian fan
Portugal: Nuno Gomes 40, Hélder Postiga 87
Germany: Schweinsteiger 22, Klose 26, Ballack 61
Entertainment value: 4/5
***
In this battle of flair versus grit, grit prevailed. However, the Germans defence were breached so often that the scoreline failed to tell the whole story. If only the Portugese had converted their chances. As a matter of fact, their number of shots, sometimes ambitious ones, were doubled that than Germany.
Germany certainly made their chances count. They raced to a 2-0 lead inside the half-hour when makeshift striker Schweinsteiger scored a well-set up goal and Klose headed in a free-kick, poorly defended by Portugal. Before then Portugal were already creating more chances.
Skipper Nuno Gomes breathed some life into the Portugese team when he pulled a goal back after the German central defensive pairing were caught out yet again bringing the first half to a close at 2-1.
At the half hour, Portugal were then trailing by 2 goals again when Ballack headed in another free-kick though there was a hint of a foul as he had blatantly pushed Ferreira before the header. Tough luck and Portugal did not exactly protest.
Portugal continued pouring forward and shooting more shots but it was only until near the end when Postiga combined with Nani, both substitutes, to pull a goal back for 3-2. In the end, it was too little too late.
Portugal did not give Phil Scolari the farewell gift for his impending departure to Chelsea with the Euro trophy but the squad he left behind and the legacy he had built will no doubt be remembered by the fans.
Germany will be pleased with the win but they need to work out their defence before the semi-finals. With two goals coming from set-pieces, future opponents will take note of two fine headers of the ball in Klose and Ballack. Ballack is the driving force in the team and Schweinsteiger excelled with a man-of-the-match performance playing a part with all 3 Germany goals. A rematch with Croatia or an easy-looking tie against Turkey looms.
***
akim the Italian fan