Quick Report: Portugal 2-3 Germany

Germany are through to the semi finals of Euro 2008 after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Portugal in the tournament’s first quarter final.

The Germans dominated the match in the first half and took the lead in the 22nd minute. A great attack on the left wing ended with Podolski sending in a low cross and Bastian Schweinsteiger easily scored for 1-0.

And only four minutes later, Schweinsteiger was again influential with a free kick on the left wing, which was headed home by Miroslav Klose.

Portugal got one back in the 40th minute as Cristiano Ronaldo had a shot blocked by Lehmann but Nuno Gomes netted in the re-bound.

But on the hour mark, just when Portugal were gaining strength, it was Michael Ballack to head past Ricardo from another Schweinsteiger free kick.

Substitute Helder Postiga brought the tension back into the game with a successful header in the 87th minute, but the Germans avoided the equaliser in the remainder of the match.

In the semi finals, Germany face the winner of tomorrow’s quarter final between Croatia and Turkey.