Euro 2008 Diary [day13]

Germany 3-2 Portugal

Basel's hastily relayed pitch is the venue for the first quarter final as Germany take on Portugal. In the corner of the stadium a large section of the German support have come dressed as the national flag in an effort to look patriotic, but alas they've just fallen into a stereotype of clinical and efficient organisation. On the pitch both teams create opportunities in the opening fifteen minutes, but then for Thomas Hitzelsperger just entering the opposition half is considered an opportunity.

Midway through the half comes the opening goal as Germany break down the left hand side; Lucas Podolski exchanges passes with Michael Ballack and his low cross is finished by Bastian Schweinsteiger; "Germany at their very best" yells Clive Tyldsley, hitting the nail square on for once. Within two minutes its 2-0, Portugal's defence look shell-shocked by the prospect of clearing an inswinging set-piece and Miroslav Klose takes advantage to head home Schweinsteiger's cross.

Portugal edge their way back into contention and set up a potentially great second half as they pull a goal back five minutes before the break. Cristian Ronaldo finds space on the left, and although Jens Lehman saves his shot, Nuno Gomes is on hand to squeeze the rebound home.

In the second half comes clear evidence of a cultural shift; the magic sponge of football past has been replaced by the magic yellow card. Arne Friedrich fouls Ronaldo who writhes and rolls until a caution is issued to the German and then gets to his feet and carries on. Pepe has a chance to equalise for the Portugese but can't prevent his reaction header from going over. From looking destined to equalise Portugal instead fall further behind from another Schweinsteiger set-piece. This time his inswinging ball draws Ricardo from his goal-line, and Ballack beats the keeper to the ball to make it 3-1.

Portugal push forward but look uncertain of how to beat the German defence, unable to pass through them, but unwilling to put crosses in they eventually pull a goal back from the latter option. "Hello! Hold on a moment" yells Tyldsley as Helder Postiga heads home Nani's cross. It sets up a frantic final five minutes, but Germany look unlikely to concede and up in the stands their manager Jogi Low lights up a cigarette.

The final whistle goes and Germany are the first team into the semi finals meaning a succession of Phil Scolari and Chelsea stories are bound for the newspapers in the days ahead and a chance to reiterate cliché for Tylsdsley; "Never, ever, ever, write them off".