Germany booked their place in the semi-finals of Euro 2008 with a thrilling 3-2 win over Portugal.






GERMANY

Lehmann: 6.5 - Was blameless on both goals and in truth did not put a foot wrong all night. Commanded his area well.

Friedrich: 6 - Had a nervy 20 minute spell before half time, and struggled against Nani after his introduction. Can be exposed.

Mertesacker: 6 - Won everything in the air as is to be expected, but still looks suspect when being run at by players.

Metzelder: 6 - His fitness is improving but he still resembles something of a blithering idiot. Is lucky that there are no outstanding forwards on Germany’s side of the draw.

Lahm: 7.5 - Has been outstanding at Euro 2008 and was again excellent tonight, despite facing up against the dangerous Bosingwa. The contest between the two was a fascinating duel.

Schweinsteiger: 9 - Electric tonight, crucifying Ferreira at times. Scored the first goal, and created the second and third. What more can you ask for?

Ballack: 9 - A mountain in the middle of the park. Bullied the Portugal midfield, involved in the first goal, and scored Germany’s third. A real leader.

Rolfes: 6.5 - Filled in well for the injured Frings. Nothing spectacular but was disciplined and kept things ticking over in the middle-of-the-park.

Hitzlsperger: 6 - Offered balance down the left, even if he was not too involved in the action before being substituted.

Klose: 7.5 - Had been under-par in the group stages, but tonight was his best performance of the tournament so far. Held the ball up well, linked the play and took his goal well.

Podolski: 7 - Drifted in and out of the game, but had some excellent moments, creating Schweinsteiger’s opener, and also firing inches wide with a left foot rocket.

Subs:

Borowski: 6 – Came on for the final 15 minutes to add some defensive stability into the midfield.

Fritz: N/A-

Jansen- N/A


PORTUGAL

Ricardo: 4 – Has been shaky throughout these Euros and he made a suicidal decision to race off his line on Ballack’s goal.

Bosingwa: 7.5 – Outstanding going forward, bombing down the flank at every opportunity. His crossing was excellent too, creating a fine chance for Moutinho at 0-0.

Pepe: 5.5 – A powerful defender who coped physically with the German attack, even if he was dragged out of position on a few too many occasions. Missed a sitter to equalise at 1-2.

Carvalho: 5.5 – Relatively sound at the back, but not the dominant presence he has been for Chelsea this season. Should have been organizing the defence at set-pieces.

Ferreira: 3 – A horror-show from Ferreira, who was always going to be a weak link. Troubled by Schweinsteiger, and at fault on both the first and third goals.

Moutinho: 5 – Had a poor first half-hour before he was forced off with injury. Missed a sitter at 0-0, and was completely over-run in midfield.

Petit: 6 – In the side to protect the back four but in large failed to do so, particularly in the first half when Germany broke past him at will.

Simao: 5 – Started brightly and missed an early chance but ultimately was a disappointment. Most of what he attempted failed to come off, and he wasted the ball on too many occasions.

Deco: 8 – A class act, and easily his side’s best player. At the centre of every Portugal move. Elegant, inventive, he helped create Nuno Gomes’ goal, and also set-up chances for Simao and Pepe.

Ronaldo: 6 – Had an excellent 20 minute spell at the end of the first half when he was involved in Nuno Gomes’ goal, and then shot just wide himself. However he went missing for spells of the game.

Nuno Gomes: 6 – Scored Portugal’s goal to bring them back into the game but did not make any other contribution before he was substituted.

Substitutes

Raul Meireles: 6 – Helped the Portuguese backline more than Moutinho, but did not offer too much.

Nani: 7 – A bright spark after coming on, going on one excellent run, and providing the cross for Postiga’s goal.

Postiga: 6 – Set up a grandstand finish by heading home on 86 minutes.