体坛英语新闻：Germany seal berth of Euro 2008 semifinals

BASEL, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Germany beat Portugal 3-2 in the first quarterfinal match of Euro 2008 here on Thursday, braving into the semifinals of the 24-day tournament.

    Midfielder Bastian Schwienseiger and sriker Miroslav Klose scored in the first half while captain Michael Ballack regained the lead with a score in the second half to gift Germany of the surprising victory.

    Portugal, which finished as winners of the Group A, found face back with two scores, one from captain Nuno Gomes in the 39th minute, the other from Helder Postiga's header in the 87th minute.

    In a sold-out St. Jakob Park Stadium, German and Portugal fans witnessed a full-fledged attacking football gala staged by the two teams, both were considered as favorites to the tournament.

Germany's Michael Ballack celebrates scoring during the quarterfinals against Portugal at the Euro 2008 Championships in Basel, Switzerland, on June 19, 2008.

    German coach Joachim Loew, who was banned from coaching zone by UEFA, made several changes over Germany's lineup.

    Schweinsteiger was among the lineup as the Bayern midfielder scored twice in beating Portugal in the third-place play-off at the 2006 World Cup.

    Schweinsteiger played very aggressively and became the shining playmaker of the decisive game.

    Schweinsteiger's penetration and free kicks posed severe threats to Portugal's defense line, contributing to Germany's all three scores.

Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger controls the ball during the quareterfinals against Portugal at the Euro 2008 Championships in Basel, Switzerland, on June 19, 2008.

In the 22nd minute, Schwienseiger broke the deadlock by making the first score after he received a superb pass from Lukas Podolski, who made several one-two tricks with Ballack and Philipp Lahm, dribbled the ball into the area and sent the ball to Schwienseiger from left side.

    Three minutes later, Schweinsteiger's free kick overpassed Portugal's defense wall and found unmarked Klose, who headed the net with ease.

    In the 61st minute of the second half, Schweinsteiger assisted Ballack's header with a cirling free kick, widening Germany's lead against Portugal.

    On the Portugal side, coach Liuz Felipe Scolari made no change to its prime lineup in the group matches and stuck to the 4-2-3-1 system. Gomes served as lonely striker while Critiano Ronaldo and Simao Sabrosa played the backup wingers.

    The runner-up of Euro 2004 also staged formidable offensive edge.

    In the 39th minute, Portugal fought back when caption Gomes found the net with a pass from C. Ronaldo.

    Ronaldo penetrated into Germany's area rapidly, his shot was bounced back by German goalkeeper Lehmman, but the ball went to the feet of Gomes, availing him of easy shot.

    In the 87th minute, Helder Postiga's header narrowed the gap with Germany.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (R) and Germany's Michael Ballack react during the quareterfinals at the Euro 2008 Championships in Basel, Switzerland, on June 19, 2008.

Despite lagged behind Germany, Portugal still created many opportunities.

    In the 10th minute, Gomes missed a good chance as Simao sent a superb pass from the right side of the area, but he missed the ball.

    In the 19th minute, Gomes's powerful shot was just above the cross bar.

    During the second half, rain did not dampen the enthusiasm of Portugal to stage attacks. In the 55th minute, Gomes missed a superb pass from Ronaldo, while one minute later, unmarket Pepe headed the ball just above the cross bar.

    However, Ronaldo did not get enough support from his teammates, the Premier League best scorer had to bid farewell to Euro 2008 with regret.

    Germany will face the winner between Croatia and Turkey in the Euro 2008 semifinals on June 25.