Euro 08 (Quarterfinals)

Quaterfinals

Portugal 2-3 Germany
What a match. The first game Germany has played with attacking flair, tactical nous and spirited determination. Coach Loew's masterstroke to use the 4-5-1 formation reaped great rewards as Germany scored twice in the space of 5 minutes through Schweinsteiger and Klose. Ballack had one of his best games to date, and scored the third to make it 3-1. Postiga's late strike ensured a nail biting finale, which saw Germany prevail and pay tribute to their banned coach. A well-deserved Man-of-The-Match award for Schweini, while the Portuguese were left to ponder on what might have been.

Turkey 1-1 Croatia (Turkey win 3-1 on penalties)
Both these teams really stretched the definition of late goals. Klasnic's goal in the 119th minute was sensationally cancelled out by Semih's last kick of the ball two minutes later. The Croats were woeful in the penalty shootout, failing to score on three attempts. Turkey head into the semifinals with their reputation as comeback kings fully cemented, albeit without a host of players.

Russia 3-1 Netherlands a.e.t (FT 1-1)
Unbelievable display from the Russians consigned the Dutch to yet another disappointing tournament. The Oranje never got a grasp of the match, and for long periods of time were on the backfoot as the young Russian literally ran the show. Van Nistelrooy's late equaliser failed to galvanise the Dutch in extra time; it was Russia who looked the fresher side despite Van Basten having rested nine players in Netherlands' previous game. He will leave the Oranje to manage Ajax, while Hiddink has yet again enhanced his reputation as a world-beater.

Italy 0-0 Spain (Spain win 4-2 on penalties)
The anti-climax of the quaterfinals. Both teams were more eager not to lose the match, rather than go for glory. Italy sorely missed Pirlo's creativity, while the Spaniards seemed more interested in breaking their 22 June jinx. Casillas no doubt played a huge part in Spain's progression into the last four, saving from De Rossi and Di Natale in the shoot out. Spain go on to meet the rejuvenated Russians, whom they beat 4-1 on Matchday 1, while the Italians are already contemplating the return of Don Marcelo.