Three-time European champions Germany beat Euro 2004 finalists Portugal 3-2 in their Euro 2008 quarterfinal here on Thursday. Recalled German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger - scorer of two goals in Germany's 2006 World Cup third-placed play-off success over the same opposition - scored in the 22nd minute to put the Germans 1-0 up.
Miroslav Klose added a second goal for Germany in the 26th minute, but veteran Portuguese striker Nino Gomes got one back - to make him only the third striker in the history of the competition to score in three different finals - after 40 minutes to make it 2-1 to Germany.
German captain Michael Ballack then restored Germany's two goal advantage in the 61st minute for his second in successive matches to make it 3-1. However, Portuguese substitute Helder Postiga set up a nervewracking finish after he scored in the 87th minute to make it 3-2.
EURO 2008: Portugal - Germany, Basel, 19, 2008
Germany will play either Croatia - who beat them 2-1 in the group stage - or Turkey next Wednesday in Basel.
"I am delighted with this victory," said Schweinsteiger. "We had in my eyes the best side. We put pressure on Portugal without letting up. We were playing for our coach Joachim Loew, who was having to sit in the stands because he was suspended.
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Three-time European champions Germany beat Euro 2004 finalists Portugal 3-2 in their Euro 2008 quarterfinal here on Thursday. Recalled German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger - scorer of two goals in Germany's 2006 World Cup third-placed play-off success over the same opposition - scored in the 22nd minute to put the Germans 1-0 up.
Miroslav Klose added a second goal for Germany in the 26th minute, but veteran Portuguese striker Nino Gomes got one back - to make him only the third striker in the history of the competition to score in three different finals - after 40 minutes to make it 2-1 to Germany.
German captain Michael Ballack then restored Germany's two goal advantage in the 61st minute for his second in successive matches to make it 3-1. However, Portuguese substitute Helder Postiga set up a nervewracking finish after he scored in the 87th minute to make it 3-2.
EURO 2008: Portugal - Germany, Basel, 19, 2008
Germany will play either Croatia - who beat them 2-1 in the group stage - or Turkey next Wednesday in Basel.
"I am delighted with this victory," said Schweinsteiger. "We had in my eyes the best side. We put pressure on Portugal without letting up. We were playing for our coach Joachim Loew, who was having to sit in the stands because he was suspended.
