German midfielder Bastian returned to the German line-up looking to make amends for his red card against Croatia. He scored the opener once again showed his best form as Germany made it through to the semi final.



Germany have become the first side through to the semi finals after defeating Portugal 3-2 in Basel. Without trainer Joachim Löw, they took a 2-0 lead through goals from Schweinsteiger and Klose.

Nuno Gomes pulled one back shortly before half time only for Michael Ballack to restore their two-goal lead with a header.

A late goal from Postiga set up a grandstand finish but the Germans prevailed to make it into the last four.

“I am extremely happy that we won the game” Schweinsteiger said after the game.

“We are now amongst the top four and have knocked one of the best teams out of the tournament.

“We played for the trainer tonight. I knew that I made a mistake against Croatia, so I wanted to help the team as much as I possibly could.

“In football anything is possible and tonight we showed the German character” he added.