Hello Everyone,

The 2008 European Championships began the quarterfinal stage today with arguably the most highly anticipated match of the tournament thus far, and the quality of action certainly didn’t disappoint. The match featured two perennial contenders in international soccer, with the always exciting Portuguese matching up against a stingy German squad. Although the game started off relatively even during the opening minutes, the fast pace favored a Portuguese side which was able to exploit openings in the back of the German formation and generate multiple chances. However, Portugal failed to capitalize on these early chances and would quickly regret it as Bastian Schweinsteiger finished off a beautiful German counter attack in the 22nd minute to give his squad the 1-0 lead. The early German goal seemed to shock the Portuguese side, who were caught flat footed on a set piece only four minutes later when Miroslav Klose was left unmarked and finished off a Schweinsteiger cross to make it 2-0 Germany.

The Portuguese squad regrouped immediately following the Klose goal, finding their pace and pressuring the German defenders with skillful runs down the side for the remaining minutes of the first half. The rejuvenated Portuguese would finally cut the German lead in half during the 40th minute of action, when Nuno Gomes finished off a rebound generated from a skillful sprint by Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese continued to carry the play during the start of the second half, pressing forward against a stingy German squad content to sit back and stifle the dangerous Portuguese attack. This theme would continue until the 61st minute of the match, when Michael Ballack headed in yet another Schweinsteiger cross off a set piece to make it 3-1 for the Germans. The concluding moments of the match were dominated by the Portuguese, who were once again pushing forward only to be continuously stifled by the German squad. Although Portugal would make it 3-2 with a Postiga header in the 87th minute, that was as close as the Portuguese would get as Germany secures the first berth in the semi-final stage.

Man of The Match

I don’t think there is much debate about this distinction, as Bastian Schweinsteiger was without question the best player on the pitch today. There were questions about if Schweinsteiger would even start today, having just served a one match suspension after being sent off against Croatia. However, the decision to start Schweinsteiger was proven correct early during the match, with the winger finishing off a counter attack with a beautiful sliding strike to give his team the 1-0 lead. The presence of Schweinsteiger was noticeable throughout the entire game, as his ball possession skills were superb and he set up both of the other German goals off set pieces with beautiful crosses into the box.

Highlight of The Match

This one is also an easy decision, as the first German goal of the game was produced by a skillful counter attack that was finished off by an excellent Schweinsteiger strike. This goal also set the pace for the rest of the match, allowing the Germans to focus their efforts on protecting their lead by stifling the dangerous Portuguese attack.

Goat of The Match

There are a couple of different players deserving of mention here, but none more so than Portuguese goaltender Ricardo. Although the first goal by Schweinsteiger was a beautiful strike, I thought a world class goalie could have still possibly made that save. The same can be said for the second German goal, which was without question a potential save. The third German goal was the result of horrible positioning by Ricardo, who seemed uncertain about whether he should remain in the net or charge the ball as it entered the box. This loss can’t be blamed exclusively on the Portuguese goaltender, but the questionable play of Ricardo was certainly a glaring weakness for the Portuguese today.

Controversy of The Match

The third German goal of the game was marred by controversy, as it appeared Ballack pushed off on Paulo Ferreira before heading the ball into the back of the net. Although it wasn’t a blatant shove, Ballack clearly used his forearm to create space in between him and Ferreira. For the record, I didn’t think the goal should have been allowed to stand. However, that’s not why they pay me the big bucks…..

Implications of The Match

The victory today secures a spot for Germany in the semi final round, against the winner of tomorrows match between Croatia and Turkey. This marks the first time Germany has advanced to the final four of the tournament since they won in 1996. Meanwhile, the defeat today ends an impressive streak from the Portuguese that had them advancing to the final four in the last three consecutive international tournaments.

Alright everyone, that’s all for now. Feel free to add your comments about the action today, as your participation is welcome.

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