World Cup 3rd/4th Placing - Game Fitting for Finals (Germany 3 - Portugal 1)

I half dreaded to watch this game. It was one which could go either way in terms of entertainment. Either they were to despondent to play, resulting in a sterile draw, with neither side picking themselves up for a meaningless game, or it could result in both teams playing without any pressure and a desire to entertain their legion of adoring fans. Luckily it was latter that prevailed.

It was pretty much end to end stuff right from the kick off, with both teams really going for the goals. Although neither could break the deadlock by half time, both keepers were kept busy with some enterprising attacking play. There was no lack of imagination nor creativity that led to the goalscoring chances at both ends. The play was positive, something which has been sorely lacking since the knockout phases began.

In the end, it was German midfielder Schweinsteiger (what a mouthful) who drew first blood with a rasping shot that caught Ricardo wrongfooted. Minutes later, Portugal was somewhat unlucky to go two down when Petit screwed a clearance into his own net.

Like in the previous game against France, Portugal went on to literally camp in the German half, forcing veteran German keeper Oliver Kahn into some outstanding saves. However it was Germany who scored again on the counter attack. Schweinsteiger (still a mouthful) fired home another thunderbolt while the outnumbered Portguese defence backed away from him.

Portugal was completely and utterly destroyed, but to their credit, they kept on fighting and kept on pressing, and were duely rewarded with 2 minutes left on the clock. Substitute Figo, floated in a superb cross for Nuno Gomes to score with a beautiful diving header beyond previous World Cup Golden Ball winner, Kahn.

This was an evenly fought out battle between two teams playing for nothing more than just pride, and what a spectacle it turned out for the neutral fan.

In less than 24hrs, the World Cup campaign will end in the grand finale Italy vs France. I can only hope the performance of both teams will be half as entertaining as this game.