The first team through to the semi-final stage of Euro 2008 is Germany after beating Portugal 3 goals to 2 in a dramatic game.

The match was close, but for me Germany edged it with a deserved win. I was rooting for Germany and to say the last 5 minutes were tense would be a huge understatement!

Defensively both teams looked very average. Germany showed weaknesses in the left back position with Philipp Lahm continually providing space for the Portuguese to work in. Portugal however was simply unable to handle set pieces which provided the source for 2 of Germany’s 3 goals, you could say this was because of the height advantage of the Germans, but honestly it just looked like poor defending.

Germany’s 3 goals came courtesy of Bastian Schweinsteiger, Miroslav Klose and Michael Ballack. Portugals 2 goals were from Nuno Gomes and Helder Postiga.

If I was to put Portugal’s defeat down to one thing, it would be that the Germans were simply physically superior – taller and more powerful.

After the first quarter final game my Euro 2008 predictions are still on! The way Russia played in their last game and how Croatia has played throughout the tournament I wouldn’t be overly surprised if either team spoilt my predictions.