8 July 2006, by Tom Kundert

Proud Portugal undone by Schweinsteiger missiles

Germany 3-1 Portugal

Portugal’s memorable World Cup campaign ended in defeat in Stuttgart tonight as they were beaten to third place by hosts Germany.

An even match was decided by three powerful shots from German midfielder Schweinsteiger in 22 second-half minutes that found their way past Ricardo, one via a deflection off Petit. Nuno Gomes scored a late consolation goal for Portugal.

Portugal started the match with three changes to their usual line-up. Paulo Ferreira and Ricardo Costa came into the defence in place of the injured Miguel and suspended Ricardo Carvalho respectively, and Simao replaced the physically debilitated Luis Figo.

Germany started strongly and had loud shouts for a penalty turned down on five minutes when a Metzelder shot appeared to be deflected wide of goal by Nuno Valente’s arm. Torsten Frings then fired in a dangerous shot as Portugal’s new-look defence struggled to gel.

Pauleta chance

However, after weathering the early storm Portugal began passing around the ball well, and one such move ended with Simao threading an inviting ball into the path of Pauleta, but the striker’s cross-shot was saved by Kahn.

As play switched to the over end Ricardo then produced a sharp save when he tipped over a sublime Kehl lob. Germany then won a series of free-kicks around the box as Portugal struggled to cope with some quick link-up play between impressive strike duo Klose and Podolski, but the hosts were unable to take advantage of some promising positions.

Scolari sent on Petit for the yellow carded Costinha at the break, and Portugal twice went close to taking the lead in quick succession. In the 51st minute Maniche won a free-kick in perfect Simao territory, but the Benfica captain’s shot dipped just over the bar.

Pauleta then produced an excellent turn in the box to create and clear scoring chance, but his finish lacked power.

Double whammy

Almost immediately Schweinsteiger surged up the other end, cut inside and produced a vicious swerving shot that deceived Ricardo to send the capacity crowd into raptures of joy. It got worse for Portugal five minutes later as Schweinsteiger fired in another powerful shot that took a wicked deflection off the unlucky Petit and nestled in the net.

Scolari reacted to the double blow by sending on Nuno Gomes and Luis Figo for Nuno Valente and Pauleta as Portugal desperately tried to claw themselves back into the game.

But that man Schweinsteiger all but ended the match as a contest when he produced another fabulous shot from a similar position to his first two strikes, which left Ricardo with no chance.

To their credit Portugal neither lied down nor opted for damage containment. In the 82nd minute Metzelder, under pressure from Nuno Gomes nearly scored the second own goal of the night, then Cristiano Ronaldo hit a tremendous swerving free-kick from fully 35 metres that Kahn just managed to keep out.

Portugal got the consolation goal their effort deserved when Figo, possibly playing his last match in a Portugal shirt, swung over an enticing cross that Gomes met with a perfect diving header.

Despite the defeat Portugal’s fourth place finish is their second best performance ever at a World Cup, and the grateful nation is sure to give the squad a heroes’ welcome when they return to Lisbon tomorrow.

PortuGoal man of the match:
Fernando Meira – The best tribute that can be paid to the Stuttgart centre-back, who was barely known before the World Cup began, is that once again he proved he was fit to fill the boots of the injured Jorge Andrade.


Germany:
Kahn, Jansen, Nowotny, Metzelder, Lahm, Schneider, Kehl, Frings, Schweinsteiger (Hitzlsperger 79), Klose (Neuville 64), Podolski (Hanke 71)
Yellow Cards: Frings (7)

Portugal:
Ricardo, Paulo Ferreira, Ricardo Costa, Meira, Nuno Valente (Nuno Gomes, 69), Costinha (Petit, 45), Maniche, Deco, Ronaldo, Pauleta (Figo, 77), Simao
Yellow Cards: Ricardo Costa (24), Costinha (32), Paulo Ferreira (60)

Goals:
[0-1] Schweinsteiger, 56
[0-2] Petit, 61 (o.g.)
[0-3] Schweinsteiger, 78
[1-3] Nuno Gomes, 88