The quarter final match up between Germany and Portugal has the early indications that it will be nothing like the pre-tournament expectations. In fact, many experts are giving Portugal the edge.
It should be interesting to see how Germany is able to fend off the injury bug. Midfielder Torsten Frings has a broken rib and striker Lukas Podolski, who has already tallied three goals, has been fighting a calf injury. It is still not clear whether or not those two German stars will take the field Thursday.
One thing is certain: Germany has played awful in their last two matches, and must improve to beat the impressive Portugese. Led by the world's best player Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal has a stunning attack that can score at will.
Deco, the veteran midfielder, also poses a problem for the German defense. His crafty ability to find players in the box could be key to Portuguese success in the quarters.
The unsung hero of this match may just be German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger. He did not play in the game versus Austria due to a suspension, but will be back on the pitch to play Portugal.
That bodes well for the Germans as Schweinsteiger put on a show in his last time out against the Portuguese in the 2006 World Cup. Schweini scored two goals in the third-place game allowing the Germans to walk home with World Cup bronze.
As far as Euro 2008 is concerned, this may be one of the most hotly contested match ups thus far. Both teams are extremely capable offensively, and it may come down to penalty kicks to decide who makes it to the semi finals.
That said, I think Jens Lehmann has more experience in tough situations than does Ricardo, Portugal's goalkeeper. If you can remember back to the 2006 World Cup when Lehmann helped win the game against Argentina, he can play well in penalty kicks.
Prediction: Germany 2 - Portugal 2. Germany wins 5-3 on PKs.
7 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Salaar Arshad Shamsi about 1 year ago
Good preview,Ben...I'm not sure the match will need to go beyond 90 minutes but with two powerhouses involved it doesn't feel right to predict a winner either..Germany are the "bigger" team but Portugal are more in form..
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Ben Weixlmann about 1 year ago
Yeah, the prediction is just for discussion, I am truly torn on this match!
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David Cohen about 1 year ago
Germany wins 2-1. Portugal always benefits from a weak group in these competitions and always seems to get caught once they hit the elimination round. Funny how the tournament is setting itself up for 2 rematches from the group stage.
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Christopher Hayes about 1 year ago
You are right on with your prediction that Schweinsteiger will be a difference maker. His last international performances at the World Cup were more than solid, consistantly providing Germany with some individual pace on the ball. Having battled injuries this past season he looks to be getting in form, and i hope he gets the start.
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Richman Tjiriange about 1 year ago
If it goes to penalties Germany will win ,because they have one of the world best GK.
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hotdogs dogshot about 1 year ago
if not the best =)
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Ben Weixlmann about 1 year ago
I absolutely believe he is a quality GK, but saying he's in the world's best, I'm not so sure. Definitely not THE best!
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