Euro Update #3

The Czech Republic fell to Turkey 3-2 in their final group match, missing out on the knockout stages. A win or draw would have sent the Czechs through, but some goalkeeping errors and lax defense allowed the Turks to come back after being 2-0 down.

Germany did just enough to defeat Austria 1-0 in their final group game. German captain Michael Ballack struck a fierce free kick into the upper right corner of the goal, securing the Germans a place in the quarterfinals.

On June 19, the Germans faced Group A winner Portugal. After a close miss by Portuguese midfielder Joao Moutinho early on, the Germans woke up and scored in the 22nd minute. Winger/forward Lukas Podolski worked a magical combination play with Phillip Lahm and Michael Ballack, then sent a low cross just outside the 6 yard box to Bastian Schweinsteiger, who slotted the ball in the net. The Germans struck again just 4 minutes later, as weak defending allowed Miroslav Klose to head Schweinsteiger's free kick in the goal. Though the Germans led 2-0 inside the first half hour, Portugal kept pushing and netted just before halftime via Nuno Gomes' goal. After halftime the Portuguese kept attacking, but another Schweinsteiger free kick found the head of captain Michael Ballack, making it 3-1 to the Germans. There was evidence of a slight push by Ballack on his marker, but the goalkeeper's hesitation ultimately cost the Portuguese. In the 87th the Portuguese found a bit of consolation through the head of substitute Helder Postiga, but the Germans were able to hold on for the win. Germany now plays Turkey in the semifinal.