Saturday, June 9, 2012

Germany 1 - 0 Portugal (full-time): UPDATED

Germany won, but Portugal deserved at least a point

Today seems to be a day of surprises as even in this match, Germany were expected to dominate the play, but although they are dominating possession they seem to be unable to penetrate. Portugal are operating with the counter attack which seems to work. Germany are being patient to get that final ball, but Portugal, for now, coped well and rarely made mistakes in defense. Germany had a chance early on with Podolski but his strike was saved comfortably by Rui Patricio. The first yellow card of the match came for Helder Postiga after a late tackle on Neuer after the German was served short. Portugal are operating from the flanks where Ronaldo and Coentrao, but there were few crosses, as Boateng defended well until now. Nani until now has been the disappointment of the match. Podolski had a chance in the 30th minute but his shot went way over the bar. Germany have been very patient but it doesn't seem to work. The first German booked was badstuber after a dangerous tackle on Nani's foot. Portugal late in the half could have opened the score when from a corner the ball dropped to Pepe, he fired a shot and hit the crossbar, the ball bounced on the line and the German defense cleared.



2nd Half


The Germans started the half well, but Podolski's cross was cleared by Portugal. But Portugal tried the counter attack by Ronaldo, but Ronaldo could only produce a weak shot which was picked by Neuer fairly easily. Ronaldo was again with the ball, but his cross was cleared by a determined defense led by Hummels. the Germans operated from the wings, a cross by Podolski met a header by Gomez which went over the bar, as Gomez was way below par until now. Crooses into the Portugal defense started coming from everywhere as even Schweinsteiger put in a cross which was cleared with a bit of difficulty by the Portuguese. When the substitution for Gomez seemed more and more obvious to come, a cross by Khedira, was headed beautifully by Gomez which put the German team into the lead. After the goal Portugal started pushing forward, when a shot by Meirelles was deflected into corner. Ronaldo looked more dangerous as he ran on the wing, but Oliveira could not control the ball. Portugal pushed forward where they had chances by Nani, Coentrao, and even Varela all had their shots saved. Finally Nani hit also the crossbar.

Germany won as many expected but their performance must improve if they are to win the Euro Championship.

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