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:

Comments June 20th, 2008

Euro 2008: Portugal 0-2 Switzerland (Full Match Report and Video)

Tournament hosts Switzerland went in to this game knowing nothing they could do would qualify for the quarter final stages, so were playing for pride, while Portugal were also playing for pride, knowing that they were definitely through to the knock out stages, and unless there was a massive shock, they were going to win the group.

Portugal took control in the first half, playing good football as we expect from them, but, surprisingly, Switzerland are still going for it and creating some good opportunities, and the fans are loving their night out.

Nani and Quaresma were causing havoc, playing lots of balls in to the box and generally running riot, putting the Swiss goal keeper under immense pressure. Pepe had shot saved, while Manchester United winger Nani so nearly scored twice, with a long distance free kick being flicked over the cross bar and a different shot hitting the post.

It was in the second half when the game came alive, especially the Swiss. But Nani yet again hit the wood work, when he really should have scored after a Swiss error. Postiga had a good shot saved, as well.

Then, with twenty minutes to go, Switzerland started pressurizing immensely, and it wasn’t long before Hakan Yakin smashed a volley in to the goal between Portuguese goal keeper Ricardo’s legs.

And then a late strike from the first goal scorer, Yakin, scored his second of the game from the penalty spot, smashing the ball in to the top corner, giving penalty specialist Ricardo no chance of saving it.

Tonight’s results mean that Portugal top the group with six points, along side Turkey who finish below them on goal difference. Czech Republic and Switzerland fail to qualify, but the Swiss fans will be happy they went out on a high.

Final Score:
Portugal 0 – 2 Switzerland

Watch both GOALS:

Comments June 16th, 2008