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The longest we’ve had to wait for a goal in a single match so far in the Euros, but it certainly has been worth the wait after Germany’s Mario Gomez saved the points for his side with a header in the 72nd minute.
A game in the middle of the park
The game was largely contested in the middle of the park during the first half, with the Germans starting slow and steadily. Lukas Podolski had a couple of chances but failed to convert whilst Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo remained quiet and silent throughout the first 45 minutes. The likes of Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger seemingly had the upper hand over opponents Raul Meireles and Joao Moutinho in midfield but just couldn’t find the breakthrough. However, it was indeed Khedira’s deflected cross into the box from the right flank that found goalscorer Mario Gomez.
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The passing game
Raul Meireles vs Bastian Schweinsteiger
Meireles, in my opinion, did not have a bad game at all, with him being the man that covered the most ground between the two teams during the match. Had a total of 35 passes with only 7 unsuccessful ones. Also linked up well with left back Fabio Coentrao with a few tricky passes. But was his contribution good enough to outclass Germany’s Bastian Schweinsteiger?
Statistically, the Bayern Munich midfielder had a solid game against the Portuguese and was the mastermind behind several Germany attacks. Besides, he managed to hold the midfield well as Portugal’s Meireles and Moutinho weren’t allowed and given enough time and space to go up front on many occasions.
The Flop
Luis Nani had an awful game. With his pace and speed, many would have expected him to go pass Philipp Lahm. Not to mention that his passing has been terrible, which was one of the main reasons Portugal struggled hard to keep possession. His pinpoint crosses, which what made him famous at Manchester United, wasn’t anywhere to be seen although he almost put Portugal back on level terms hen his cross from the right unexpectedly hit the woodwork during the second half.
Two Liverpool Fans’ Man of the Match
Fabio Coentrao
