19th June 2008 – Qtr Final 1: Portugal vs Germany
Portugal – Portugal’s reserve team was hammered 2-0 by the Swiss who managed to salvage some pride in their group game. Coach Scolari will be bringing on the first team regulars again, in the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco & Pepe, in the knock out stage of the tournament.
Luiz Felipe Scolari, gifted Swiss a last hoorah by fielding a reserved team, shake hands with Kuhn.
Germany – Came through with a high pressured 1-0 win over Austria. Lukas Podolski may not be available for the game because of a calf problem. Will be sweating on the fitness of Torsten Frings due to a broken rib. Joachim Löw is suspended for arguing with the fourth official and will not be permitted on the bench. Under UEFA regulations, he may follow the match from the stands but is not allowed in the dressing room, tunnel or technical area before and during the game, nor is he allowed to get in contact with his team.
Verdict – This is a clash of the giants. Scolari will be recalling all his fire power. Germany’s performance in the 2nd and 3rd game had not looked like they can overcome the Portugese. Germany’s saviour may come down to the goalkeeper, Jens Lehmann.
Score Portugal 2-0 Germany.
Market odds: Portugal (-1/4 -0.925), Germany (+1.0)
