Euro 2008 Portugal 2 Germany 3
Friday, 20 June 08, 01:16 AM · Comments (17)
Despite a good performance from Deco, Portugal offered a disappointing image as they went out 3-2 to Germany in tonight's exciting first quarter final. Germany who switched to a 4-5-1 formation went two goals up in the first half an hour. First Podolski made a great run down the left side before finding Schweinsteiger who had got goal side of the Portuguese defence. Then Klose made the most of poor defending at a free kick to head home the second.
Portugal pulled one back before half time when Nuno Gomes turned in a rebound after Lehmann blocked Cristiano Ronaldo's shot. but in the second half Portugal again paid the price for defending badly at a free kick, this time Ballack headed in after a subtle push on Ferreira went unseen by the referee.
Portugal substitute Postiga made it 3-2 with three minutes to go but Germany held on comfortably for their win. I have to mention that Cristiano Ronaldo was disappointing in this game, and if he wants to be rated alongside the true greats of the game he will have to start performing better in the games that really count. He is still young and has time to do this, but this season he showed a lack of nerve from the penalty spot in crucial games and now failed to turn it on when it really mattered. The likes of Cruyff, Maradona, Pele, Di Stefano all managed to do the business at the highest level. Perhaps Cronaldo is just another failed pretender.
Like this blog? Help spread the word: 
Deco did really well. He and Bosingwa seemed like the only ones giving 100% a lot of the time it's too bad they couldn't have pulled it off.
I think we should by Podolski right now. He has showed what a great player he is and the fact that he isnt a first team player in Bayern should keep his price tag within reason.
whoops, BUY..
whoops, shown :)
FCB - I think Diego Milito would be a good buy if it wasn't too expensive. Compared to some of the players being mentioned I would see Milito probably as pretty good value. His brother has a good attitude that I imagine he has too.
As for Poldolski, In agree he has been one of the stars of the tournament. Unfortunately there is often a great star in an international tournament who then does nothing at club level. Anyone rememember Gica Hagi, Salenko, Milan Baros, Prosenecki, etc. I really think that signing players on their performance for their national team in summer is probably not the wisest decision to take. You end up paying a lot of money for someone who is incapable of performing at the highest level over nine months
I am so surprised, there is this german, who is all of a sudden, replacing Ballack as the main play maker, Schweinsteiger. And noone, noone speaks about him, weird. Neways, Podolski is an amazing talent, if possible, Barca should buy him, otherwise, I am sure that as soon as Klinnsmann comes in at Bayern, he will rise to stardom.
17 Comments · Add yours
And well done to FCB-Canada, Mike M, Goalposthead and Dayib-SM for predicting a German victory. As for my previous predictions I have probably given the kiss of death to Croatia, Holland and Italy.
nic, what do u think about diego milito coming to barca? he hasnt been mentioned much.