World Cup - Germany 3-1 Portugal

Host nation Germany have the consolation of winning the third place play off match against Portugal. This is, of course, in addition to the consolation of Lukas Podolski being named young player of the tournament, and the consolation of Miroslav Klose almost certainly winning the golden boot. The night belongs to the young German, Bastian Schweinsteiger. His bold second half performance resulted in two stunning goals by the German left winger, and a sizzling free kick which led to Germany’s other goal. Portugal made a game of it, and scored a consolation goal late on, in the consolation match!

The first half was relatively uneventful. Germany had an early opportunity after 8 minutes. Top scorer of the World Cup, Miroslav Klose turned past a defender, and struck a firm shot narrowly wide of the Portuguese post.

Portugal’s best chance of the first half fell to their lone striker Pauleta. He managed to get in behind the German defence, but his shot was poor, and straight at the German keeper Oliver Kahn, who replaced Jens Lehmann for this match, and possibly his last match for Germany.

Little else happened in the first half, and the players went into half time with the score goalless. Fortunately, the second half was different. Much different.

Well, in some ways it was the same! Shortly after the break, Pauleta had another good scoring chance. The striker got in behind the German defence, turned to make space, but was unbalanced when he took his shot, which trickled towards Oliver Kahn.

With about 10 minutes of the first half played, the game suddenly exploded into life, with a goal out of nowhere. Bastian Schweinsteiger cut inside down the left wing, and released a cracking shot towards the Portuguese goal, from well outside the penalty area. The ball swerved awkwardly, and flew into the goal. Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo probably should’ve done better, but there’s no questioning that it was a stunning goal.

Minutes later, Germany scored a second, and again, it was all down to Schweinsteiger. Germany were awarded a free kick just outside the box on the left hand side of the pitch, and Schweinsteiger hit a fierce strike goal bound, which was turned in by the Portuguese substitute, Armando Petit. The goal was rightly credited as an own goal, as replays showed that the strike was not on target. However, this may be slightly disappointing from a German perspective, as it denies Schweinsteiger a hat trick.

Portugal, to their credit, tried persistently to find a way back into the match. They had numerous shots on goal shortly after Germany had added a second, but were thwarted by German keeper Oliver Kahn more often than not, in what is quite possibly, his last international appearance.

Bastian Schweinsteiger sealed the win for Germany in the 78th minute with another scintillating long ranged effort, equally as impressive as his first. The young German player scored the goal from a similar position to his first, but unlike his first, this one swerved beautifully into the corner of the Portuguese goal. He was booked for taking his shirt off in his goal celebration, but to be frank, he couldn’t care less! The night was his, and this is certainly a night to remember for him. His second goal was his last contribution to the game, and he was then substituted for former Aston Villa midfielder, Thomas Hitzlsperger.

And speaking of substitutions, at a similar time in the match, Luis Figo was brought on for one last time. The Portuguese legend has now retired from international football, but will be remembered as one of Portugal’s greatest ever players. His quality was shown for the final time in the 88th minute. He burst down the right wing, and swung an inch perfect cross into the box to set up an easy headed goal for Nuno Gomes. However, the outcome of the match had been decided long before.

All in all, this rounds off a very successful tournament for hosts Germany, in which they have succeeded many expectations. Portugal, on the other hand, will be pleased to have made it to the semi finals of the tournament, which is more than what many would have expected for them. On a slightly sadder note, this match is the last we will see of Luis Figo in a Portugal shirt, and probably the last we will see of Oliver Kahn in a German goalkeepers jersey. They have made huge contributions to their teams over the years, and both will be remembered as great footballers for their country.

63 matches have now been played in the World Cup. This leaves just one. The big one. Italy or France will be crowned World Cup winners on Sunday July 9th. But which team will emerge triumphant? Keep watching to find out.