Euro 2012 Scores: Loss to Germany Doesn't Make Portugal Any Less Scary

Let's be honest, Portugal was expected to lose against Germany. Germany, after all, placed second at UEFA Euro 2008 and has placed well in the last three World Cups.

That's why, despite a 1-0 loss to Germany on Saturday, Portugal has nothing to be ashamed about.

Germany played as expected, and seemed to get better and better throughout the match. The side played outstanding defense as a whole, including goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, and looked like the world power that it was.

And, to be frank, it was only a matter of time before Mario Gomez scored. His header in the 72nd minute was a thing of beauty. He figures to have a spectacular tournament.

Portugal, on the other hand, had its opportunities, opportunities that it will generally take advantage of. Pepe's wide-open miss before the half was an anomaly, and it took an outstanding tackle by Boateng against Cristiano Ronaldo early on in the second half to save a goal.

The rest of the match was marked by Portugal hitting crossbars and Neuer making great saves. This contest went down to the wire, and Portugal should be proud of the effort it gave.

The reality is, Portugal could have won this match, and it wasn't an outstanding performance by the challengers, but if Portugal plays like this throughout the tournament it's only a matter of time before those shots hit their marks.

Ronaldo and Co. will be ready for their second match against impressive Denmark on Wednesday.