Germany Vs Portugal: Schweinsteiger show stuns Portugal
June 21, 2008
Germany Vs Portugal: Schweinsteiger show stuns Portugal
The showdown between Germany & Portugal was felt to be the EURO 2008 Final by most experts. However with this awaited encounter coming early in the knockout stage of the tournament, fans were in for an enthralling time, as both sides knew that a single mistake might lead to their downfall.
At St. Jakob Park, it was a capacity crowd seeing a spirited German side defeating Portuguese in an excellent football game. Although everyone had an eye out for Ronaldo, it was the Bayern Munich & German Star, Bastian Schweinsteiger with similar number 7 shirt as his archrival, who eventually stole the show for his side.
First Half
With fast-paced game from both the sides, there were several close calls in the first quarter. However, the deadlock was broken in the 22nd minute by a Podolski pass that found Schweinsteiger’s boot and into the back of Portuguese net. Another goal followed only four minutes later rattling the Portuguese defense, when a free kick from ‘Man of the Match’ Schweinsteiger found Miroslav Klose, who headed a goal past Portuguese keeper Ricardo. If it was not for a goal from Nuno Gomes, it would have been tough for Portugal to make a comeback.
Second Half
If first half was amazing, then second one was not far behind. With shots from both sides flying pass the keeper, it was thrilling to watch this battle. However, the match was sealed by another Schweinsteiger free kick that found German Skipper, Ballack’s head and went into the Portugal net for the third time. Although there was a goal minutes before the end from the Portuguese substitute Postiga, who headed a Nani pass into the German net, it was too late for them to recover and the final score line was 3-2 for the Germans.
Germany will next play the winners of the game between Turkey & Croatia in the semifinal.
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