Diznews.com

The Euro 2008 competition progressed with the first quarter final game between Portugal and Germany . The buzz before the game was immense, with both teams held by fans as two of the favourites to win the tournament. Both sides are exceptional world class teams.

Portugal have a very fluid approach and Germany are amazing tactitions and their set pieces are feared. Both sides have an abundance of skilled players. Germany have Ballack, Scweinsteiger and Podolski and Portugal have the amazing skills of Deco and Ronaldo to name but two. Ronaldo is tipped by many as the best player in the world.

Portugal may have a few holes in the defence but their attacking players make opportunities where most teams would give up. Germany are a very inconsistent team, on the right day they are capable of amazing football but sometimes they look like an amateur team.

The entire 90 minutes was fast and furious with a lot of scoring opportunities. The Portuguese team tried in vain to play the ball to their main man Ronaldo, as he was heavily marked he failed to receive a lot of the passes. Germany scored first at 22 minutes and only four minutes later doubled their lead with a header by Klose. Portugal however clawed a goal back through a joint effort by Ronaldo and Nuno Gomes. It was 2-1 to Germany as they went in for half time.

The second half saw Germany dominate early on and Ballack scored a brilliant header at 62 minutes. Portugal didn’t give up and piled the pressure on. Portugal reaped the rewards of their hard game and Postiga scored in the 87th minute. The final few minutes of the game were nerve racking, Portugal had chance after chance, however it was Germany who emerged victorious.

The game was a brilliant display of live football and Germany were a team worthy of progressing.