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Member since:02.08.2007
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There was a massive build up to this match with critics, pundits, bookmakers and fans alike all debating whether Portugal's flare would triumph over Germany's big game experience. Would Ronaldo step up to the plate and overshadow Ballack? Who would triumph in midfield? Pepe or Lahm? All these questions were set to be answered in half an hour.
Immediately it was clear that this match would be determined in midfield, and Germany lined up 4-5-1, with Podolski being pushed out to the left wing. Both teams started of clearly very wary of each other, struggling to penetrate each others defence. The first clear chances fell to Thomas Hitzlsperger, formerly of Aston Villa, who shot twice from distance, one hitting Deco and the other one from a tight angle found the side netting. However, the first good chance fell to Portugals Simao who broke the German defence thanks to a delicate through ball but failed to make it cross, trying to beat Lehmann at his near post when he should have squared the ball.
However, just as Portugal started to find their feet, they were stunned by a delicious flowing move by Germany. Lukas Podolski played a quick and clinical one-two with Michael Ballack on the halfway line and charged down the left before squaring for Bastian Schweinsteiger, who stormed past the defenders to hammer the ball into the back of the net. Within five minutes of taking the lead, Germany threatened to pull away as Miroslav Klose towered above the diminutive Portuguese and scored an unmarked header, as Schweinsteiger turned provider.
The two German goals, really stunned Portugal who looked like they were getting into the groove, and they started to seem a bit desperate and a bit flustered with only Ronaldo threatening. Indeed, it was that man, once again, Christiano Ronaldo who brought Portugal back into the game. He brilliantly collected a pass from Simao, raced into the box and although his low shot was blocked by Lehmann, it fell into the path of Nuno Gomes who coolly slotted home, becoming only the fourth player to score at three different European Championships. Portugal now found themselves on the front foot, thrusting forward at every chance but Ballack almost gave the Germans a two goal cushion again, forcing Ricardo to make a smart save. Moments, later Ronaldo sends a pinging shot narrowly beyond the far post, and unfortunately the half time came on a match which was developing beautifully.
The second half started with Portugal again on the front foot and Deco had a goal (correctly) chalked off for offside and Pepe blew a golden opportunity with the goal at his mercy. The Portuguese centre back was made to rue that mistake as it was his foul on Klose which led to the third German goal. The resulting free kick saw Ballack once again exposed the Portuguese height handicap beating Paulo Ferriera to head home with as keeper Ricardo found himself in no mans land.
Big Phil Scolari noted for his substitutions realised that Portugal needed a change with Cristiano Ronaldo taking the captaincy from Nuno who was replaced by Nani. Immediately, Nani exposed the Germans lack of pace with a blistering run, but once again found that there were just not enough Portuguese players in support. Despite not threatening much since the third German goal, Podolksi almost scored with a sweetly struck swerving shot which just swung past the post.
As the game looked like it was petering out, with just 5 minutes left, the two substitutes Nani and Postiga combine to reignite the match. However, despite really going for Portugal just couldn't do enough to take the match into extra time.
The players who impressed me in this match were Schweinsteiger, Lahm, Podolski, Deco, Bosingwa and Ronaldo.
All things considered, Germany deserved to go through. They exposed Portugal's lack of height and although they weren't as attacking, they were more clinical. Portugal really need to find a dominant centre forward if they want to do be really successful. Germany on the other hand have a potential revenge match against Croatia in the semi final and will be looking for another display like this quarterfinal rather than their last uninspiring match against the Croats.
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