So Portugal and Germany now find themselves in the last four, after Greece and the Czech Republic went home at the quarter final stage.
In the first quarter final, Portugal left it late to progress but when they did finally break through, it was that man Ronaldo who found the net. Ronaldo is under so much pressure to deliver and this, in his own mind, is the tournament he must leave his mark on. Well, he did not let us down. He pretty much single handedly won the game. He hit the post twice and was just about involved in everything good that Portugal did on the night. In the first half, there was one moment that really stood out; Ronaldo hitting the post. For the skill Ronaldo showed, he deserved a goal. The level of control to bring the ball down and spin the defender was incredible, only to see his shot come back off the post.
Ronaldo scored, what for him has become a bit of a trademark goal with his head, deep into the second half. He is so strong in the air but not only that, his movement is just so good. He covered so much ground with the run he made, to actually make contact with the cross. He is leading an average side through the tournament and his determination is so evident, as he seeks to get one over on his rival Messi by achieving international glory.
The only other player for Portugal that stood out, was Coentrao at left back. Although he played most of the game on the wing, he spent much of his time getting forward. You could see the understanding he has with Ronaldo, as they play together at club level for Real Madrid. His marouding runs and the way in which he beat players, was really something. He is a top player and it just goes to show the impact a top class full back can have.
Well, I did predict the Czechs had too little going forward to trouble Portugal and I was right. Baros and co just did not cut it on the night, as the Czechs offered very little at all and opted to sit back and defend, in the hope they could snatch a goal. Baros has since retired from the international game and about time too.
The second match saw Germany survive a brief scare against Greece, to romp home winning 4-1. Germany made some changes bringing in Klose, Schurlle and Reus for Gomez, Muller and Podolski. This was an attempt to bring more attacking flair and movement, in order to break down what would be a stubborn Greek defence. Germany were so good and the way the frontline moved and interchanged positions, proved to be too much to cope with for the Greeks. However, Greece held out for nearly 40 minutes and showed the same resilience and hard work that has got them this far (and so much luck).
Then up stepped the captain - The ever reliable Lahm. He let fly after approaching the box unchallenged and he caught the ball so sweetly, it found the far corner beyond the despairing Greek keeper. Lahm has been ever present, both for Bayern and Germany. You could certainly argue he has been and still is, the best right back in world football.
In the first quarter final, Portugal left it late to progress but when they did finally break through, it was that man Ronaldo who found the net. Ronaldo is under so much pressure to deliver and this, in his own mind, is the tournament he must leave his mark on. Well, he did not let us down. He pretty much single handedly won the game. He hit the post twice and was just about involved in everything good that Portugal did on the night. In the first half, there was one moment that really stood out; Ronaldo hitting the post. For the skill Ronaldo showed, he deserved a goal. The level of control to bring the ball down and spin the defender was incredible, only to see his shot come back off the post.
Ronaldo scored, what for him has become a bit of a trademark goal with his head, deep into the second half. He is so strong in the air but not only that, his movement is just so good. He covered so much ground with the run he made, to actually make contact with the cross. He is leading an average side through the tournament and his determination is so evident, as he seeks to get one over on his rival Messi by achieving international glory.
The only other player for Portugal that stood out, was Coentrao at left back. Although he played most of the game on the wing, he spent much of his time getting forward. You could see the understanding he has with Ronaldo, as they play together at club level for Real Madrid. His marouding runs and the way in which he beat players, was really something. He is a top player and it just goes to show the impact a top class full back can have.
Well, I did predict the Czechs had too little going forward to trouble Portugal and I was right. Baros and co just did not cut it on the night, as the Czechs offered very little at all and opted to sit back and defend, in the hope they could snatch a goal. Baros has since retired from the international game and about time too.
The second match saw Germany survive a brief scare against Greece, to romp home winning 4-1. Germany made some changes bringing in Klose, Schurlle and Reus for Gomez, Muller and Podolski. This was an attempt to bring more attacking flair and movement, in order to break down what would be a stubborn Greek defence. Germany were so good and the way the frontline moved and interchanged positions, proved to be too much to cope with for the Greeks. However, Greece held out for nearly 40 minutes and showed the same resilience and hard work that has got them this far (and so much luck).
Then up stepped the captain - The ever reliable Lahm. He let fly after approaching the box unchallenged and he caught the ball so sweetly, it found the far corner beyond the despairing Greek keeper. Lahm has been ever present, both for Bayern and Germany. You could certainly argue he has been and still is, the best right back in world football.
It was 1-0 at half time, mainly down to the fact that Germany squandered so many chances. I know that I was thinking that it was game over and it would become all too easy for the Germans in the second half.
To everyones amazement, Greece levelled it ten minutes into the second half. A great counter attack saw the usually rubbish Samaras, tap in an excellent cross from Salpingidis. This only provoked the Germans into a ruthless onslaught, in which they scored three goals. Khedira connected on the volley to make it 2-1 and it was down hill for Greece after that. Then Klose extended the lead, adding to his impressive collection of international goals. What a great player he has been for Germany in recent times. Germany's next goal came from the debutant Reus. He had an excellent game on the right, as he rifled home the fourth goal, after the ball came back off the keeper following Klose's initial effort. Reus, known as Roll's Reus back in Germany, will play at champions Dortmund next season, after a great season with Gladbach. Greece pulled one back from the spot to restore some pride. Germany advanced and looked favourites to go all the way. Their depth was scary as Muller, Gomez and the so far unused Gotze, all came off the bench. The star of the night for me was Ozil would just pulled all the strings and was at the heart of the German front line. They reaaly do play such good football and I have enjoyed watching them more than any one else so far.
Till next time
To everyones amazement, Greece levelled it ten minutes into the second half. A great counter attack saw the usually rubbish Samaras, tap in an excellent cross from Salpingidis. This only provoked the Germans into a ruthless onslaught, in which they scored three goals. Khedira connected on the volley to make it 2-1 and it was down hill for Greece after that. Then Klose extended the lead, adding to his impressive collection of international goals. What a great player he has been for Germany in recent times. Germany's next goal came from the debutant Reus. He had an excellent game on the right, as he rifled home the fourth goal, after the ball came back off the keeper following Klose's initial effort. Reus, known as Roll's Reus back in Germany, will play at champions Dortmund next season, after a great season with Gladbach. Greece pulled one back from the spot to restore some pride. Germany advanced and looked favourites to go all the way. Their depth was scary as Muller, Gomez and the so far unused Gotze, all came off the bench. The star of the night for me was Ozil would just pulled all the strings and was at the heart of the German front line. They reaaly do play such good football and I have enjoyed watching them more than any one else so far.
Till next time
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