For the first part of the match, it seemed that Portugal might be able to create the first chance to score. Early on, João Moutinho seemed like he was going to get the games first goal, but it was not meant to be. He hit the ball off his knee which sent it flying over the goal. A few minutes later, Bastian Schweinsteiger got the games first goal in the 22nd minute off a beautiful pass from Lukas Podolski. A few minutes later in the 26th Miroslav Klose managed to break free of seemingly everyone on the Portuguese team to head the ball into the net. Well it may have been his neck.
Portugal did not let that defeat their spirits, as they scored in the 40th minute. Cristiano Ronaldo took a shot on goal which was deflected by the goalie, but picked up by Captain Nuno Gomes for the first Portuguese goal.
In the 61st minute, Captain Michael Ballack scored for Germany on free kick. Taking a look at the replay, it would appear that Ballack gave a slight push to the Portuguese defender, which should have meant a foul.
In the waning minutes of the game, substitute Helder Postiga managed a beautiful header into the German goal. Sadly, that was not enough and Germany were victorious.
However, I feel, the fact of the matter is that Germany played a better game. Portugal still never managed to have a strong midfield that played together.
There were several fouls against Portugal that were never recognized, but then Portugal would get called for the same type of foul. I'm also tired of seeing players writhe around in agony for getting bumped into. Moutinho missed what should have been an easy shot. Someone (maybe Ronaldo) should have been covering Klose during the free kick in the 26th minute. And Ballack's goal should not have counted. Having said that, what was the great goalkeeper Ricardo doing next to Ballack when he made the goal. Stay near the net and catch the ball.
Well , there's always the 2010 World Cup. Qualifying will start soon and hopefully Portugal can get organized. I'm curious to see who the new coach will be.
Luiz Felipe Scolari has been a great coach for Portugal and will be missed. He truly made Portugal consistently be up for the challenge of major tournaments. Hopefully the new coach will build on this great foundation.I wish Scolari all the best at Chelsea.
Portugals time will come and when it does, may the vinho flow. I've got a nice bottle of Grahams Port for that day.
Good luck to Germany, the Netherlands and all the remaining teams.
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