Germany Cancels Potrugal’s Subscription To Euro 2008

First Half:
Say it with us now: Schwein-Steiger. Germany’s Bastian Schweinsteiger opened up the scoring with a 22nd minute strike that graced the right side of goal and slithered in passed a diving goalkeeper. Placed on their heels, Portugal charged via a combo made up of Nani, Deco and Ronaldo, but Bastian exposed Portugal’s defensive weakness and found a striking Miroslav Klose five minutes later.
The 2-0 lead within 30 minutes established comfort within the Germans who allowed Nuno Gomes to retract a German goal by scoring one of his own, leaving the Portuguese one down at the half.

Second Half:
The second half started strong for both teams. Space was opening up on both sides and the Portuguese were utilizing the speed of Deco by basically allowing him to run with the ball whenever he wanted. Then, as if on cue, Cristiano Ronaldo would appear alone, attract the ball and send a forceful shot into the stands. It’s not the place you want it to go when you’re feverishly aiming to steal the game.
Play continued like that for 15 minutes until Michael Ballack caught a–say it with us again–Schweinsteiger pass and the Germans put the nail in the coffin. A sensational Nani pass in the 87th minute to Helder Postiga took the Portuguese within one again, but this time it was far too late. With four minutes added on to the game, Portugal couldn’t capitalize and the Germans are headed to the semifinals.
Say it with us now: Schwein-steiger.
Schweinsteiger shines as Germany topples Portugal [SPI]
Image [Getty]