Basel June 19- A 3-2 victory over Portugal gives Germany a place in the Euro 2008 semi-finals and shatters the hopes of Luiz Felipe Scholari of earning his team the Euro Cup 2008 Championship title. Goals from Bastian Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose and Michael Ballack sealed Germany's presence in the knockout rounds as Portugal's dreams of winning the championship failed to materialize.
Initially, Portugal made threats on goal as Jose Bosingwa made a cross and Joao Moutinho took the ball to the post. But, it was Germany that opened the scoring with an impressively delivered goal in the 22nd minute. Lukas Podolski beat defender Bosingwa and made a low cross that was met by Bastian Schweinsteiger who sent home past Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo.
The next goal from Germany came 4 minutes after the the team opened the scoring. Bastian Schweinsteiger delivered a superb free-kick and Klose jumped high, heading the ball to the net past Ricardo. It was a brilliantly delivered goal, the credit to which goes to both Schweinsteiger and Klose. With the second goal, Low's men not only were in the lead but had a double advantage over Portugal.
Portugal got a lifeline five minutes before half time and the savior was the team captain Nuno Gomes. German goalkeeper blocked Cristiano Ronaldo's shot and the rebound was turned into a goal by Nuno Gomes in the 40th minute. Portugal would have equalized the score just before break as Ronaldo flashed the ball past Lehmann. But, his shot was wide off the post. Deco, being in an offside position, also failed to score.
In the 61st minute, Germany captain Micheal Ballack's powerful header gave his team a 3-1 against their rivals. He sent home a free kick by Schweinsteiger and left Portugal struggling for a win. Towards the end of the Portugal-Germany match, Scholari sent in Postiga and Nani hoping they would benefit the team and so they did. The pair put up a tensed finale for Portugal by adding to the team's score in the 87th minute. Nani made an impressive cross which Postiga turned into a goal.
Though Portugal fought hard, their efforts were no match for Germany. The first Euro Cup 2008 quarter-finals match results marked the end of Scholari's dreams and Portugal's hopes of making it to the knockout rounds.
Final Score Portugal-Germany match June 19
Portugal 2-3 Germany
Goals
5
