2008 June 20 | Ibrahimo's Weblog

Archive for June 20th, 2008

Euro 2008: Portugal 2-3 Germany (Full Match Report and Video)

This was the first quarter final of the competition, with Portugal coming top of their group with six points. Germany, however, looked shaky in the group stages, coming second in their group after a disappointing loss to Croatia.

Portugal started well, playing good football, but neither team really pressed in the first ten minutes or so. The Portuguese started to find their feet, and created a good opportunity or two that could have been turned in. But then, as we’ve seen so many times in this competition, a quick counter attack led to the first goal. Bastian Schweinsteiger applied the final touch after a bursting run and a superb cross from Klose meant an easy tap in.

It was just four minutes later when the Germans doubled their lead. A free kick from the left side of the pitch had pin point accuracy, and poor defending from the Portuguese meant that Klose had a free header to score his first goal of the tournament.

After that Germany looked extremely likely to add a second, playing extremely good football in both attack and defense, although a couple of off side decisions meant they couldn’t add another goal in the first half.

Portugal, however, added a goal before the half time whistle was blown, Nuno Gomes adding the final touch from a rebound after Jens Lehmann saved Cristiano Ronaldo’s shot.

In the second half the Germans started the brighter team, with some more good attacking play leading to another goal, extremely similar to the second. A free kick from the left, to the back post, and a little push from Michael Ballack meant that he had a bit more room to apply the finishing touch, and it looked like there was no way back for Portugal.

The Portuguese then found some confidence, but they simply couldn’t get through the German defense until late in the second half, Nani crossing for Postiga to head the ball in, bringing the Portuguese within just one goal of the Germans, but they couldn’t do enough to win it.

This was a very exciting game, with Germany dominating for the majority of the ninety minutes, and although the score line flatters the Portuguese a bit, they go home with nothing to show for their efforts, and Germany go through clear favorites for the semi final they will play against either Croatia or Turkey.

Final Score:
Portugal 2 – 3 Germany

Watch the five GOALS:

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Samir Nasri of Marseille signs with Arsenal, for REAL this Time

We waited and waited, and waited, some said its a done deal, some said it will happen today, tomorrow, next week. Now we can finally say that Samir Nasri who some like to call him “The New Zinedine Zidane” or “The Next Zidan” is a Gunner. Arsene Wenger was not the only one who wanted to sign Nasri, Athletico Madrid joined the bidding war and tried to affect the deal.

There were some issues in regarding to the wages, but either way it seemed that this was only going to be decided after Euro 2008. So France is out from Group Stages, less than two days later he is taking the medical and signing a four years deal with Arsenal. It had been said that Nasri had a buy-out clause of £13.5 Million.

He effectively can play on both wing sides, Nasri have scored six goals in thirty matches he played for Marseille.

Does this signing have any direct effect on who is leaving Arsenal?, Milan are heavily after Adebayor and it sure looks like he will be their man eventually, and hleb, who Nasri is believed to be filling his place, is wanted by Inter and Barca, but he is heading to Barcelona because I think Inter Milan will be getting Roma’s Mancini instead.

Samir Nasri is a very talented player, a great addition to Arsenal, but what is next? We clearly need more players, Arsene Wenger needs to get an established player, like Nasri who is great, but we need more players in other positions. Around two months are left, lets see what happens.

And now have a look at the new gem that joined the Gunners: