Euro Classics: Germany 3-2 Portugal Euro 2008 Key Moments and Highlights

With the Euro 2020 approaching closer, Sportco brings another classic match from the Euros Classics Series. 

This time it is from Euro 2008 which took place in Austria and Switzerland. A five goal quarter-final thriller played out by European powerhouse Germany and Luis Philip Scholari led Portugal.

A tense atmosphere was flowing around the stadium as Germany who were hailed as the favorites to win the tournament in 2008 met a challenging Portugal side in the Euro 2008 quarter-final.

Germany toiled hard to compete in the Euro 2008 quarter-finals and were struck with a huge blow when they succumbed to Croatia, finishing second in Group B.

This led to a mouth-watering quarter-final tie as Germany faced Portugal for a place in the semi-finals of the Euro 2008.

Minute 22' (Goal! Schweinsteiger)

Still marching on, the game kicked off well with both sides trying to get an early breakthrough but finally, it was the Germans who broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute of the game, courtesy of Bastian Schweinsteiger from an exceptional ball from Lukas Podolski as he tapped in at the near post. 

Schweinsteiger featured in this game after missing a game through suspension.

Minute 26' (Goal! Klose)

While Portugal were recovering from the early setback, the Germans took the Portuguese at the sword as Schweinsteiger appeared on the scoresheet again, this time assisting  Miroslav Klose from a set-piece just four minutes after Germany took the lead.

Minute 40' (Goal! Gomes)

As Germany drew first blood and a second in quick succession, Portugal slowly started to find their feet again through Nuno Gomes, becoming only the third man behind Jurgen Klinsmann and Vladimir Smicer to score a goal in three European Championships.

Minute 45' (Ballack's shot)

However, Germany was fast as lightning as they were almost close to restoring their two-goal cushion but a Michael Ballack shot was dealt well by Ricardo. 

Minute 45+1' (Ronaldo chance)

The Euro 2004 finalists, Portugal, also had a chance to settle things in the first 45 minutes, but Cristiano Ronaldo's shot was far from Jens Lehmann's grasp.

Second Half

The second half of the Euro 2008 quarter-final between the two sides, saw Portugal start with more intent, eventually leading to Arne Friedrich and Philipp Lahm getting booked in attempts to curb Ronaldo and Simao from scoring.

Pepe also had a chance to restore parity just before the hour mark but he failed to capitalize, summing up Portugal's night out in a way.

Minute 61' (Goal! Ballack)

The game then started to turn into a nightmare for the Portuguese as Ballack found the net from a Schweinsteiger free-kick and headed past Ricardo, almost putting the game to bed.

Minute 67' (Substitution)

Furious with his team, Luis Felipe Scolari then decided to ambush with extensive vigor as he introduced Nani and Helder Postiga, hoping that they would make a difference.

Minute 87' (Goal! Postiga)

However, the substitutions failed to inflict problems for Lehmann, while Germany began moving forward with more conviction. However, Nani made the game intriguing as he set up Portugal's second goal for his fellow substitute Postiga to score.

Not to forget, the German boss Joachim Low was not permitted to be on the sidelines after a one-match ban was imposed on him for an incident with Austria coach, with current Bayern Munich Hansi Flick, Germany's then assistant manager taking charge of the changes made by the manager.

Full-Time Whistle (Germany 3-2 Portugal)

The game concluded 3-2 at St.Jakob Park with 42,000 people present, some content while some were distraught as Germany booked their seat into the semi-finals of the Euro 2008, and Portugal and Scolari headed home.