Germany’s Michael Ballack celebrates scoring during the quarterfinals against Portugal at the Euro 2008 Championships in Basel, Switzerland, on June 19, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)
Germany beat Portugal 3-2 in the first quarterfinal match of Euro 2008 here on Thursday, braving into the semifinals of the 24-day tournament.
Midfielder Bastian Schwienseiger and sriker Miroslav Klose scored in the first half while captain Michael Ballack regained the lead with a score in the second half to gift Germany of the surprising victory.
Portugal, which finished as winners of the Group A, found face back with two scores, one from captain Nuno Gomes in the 39th minute, the other from Helder Postiga’s header in the 87th minute.
In a sold-out St. Jakob Park Stadium, German and Portugal fans witnessed a full-fledged attacking football gala staged by the two teams, both were considered as favorites to the tournament.
German coach Joachim Loew, who was banned from coaching zone by UEFA, made several changes over Germany’s lineup.
Schweinsteiger was among the lineup as the Bayern midfielder scored twice in beating Portugal in the third-place play-off at the 2006 World Cup.
Schweinsteiger played very aggressively and became the shining playmaker of the decisive game.
Schweinsteiger’s penetration and free kicks posed severe threats to Portugal’s defense line, contributing to Germany’s all three scores.