So my prediction for last night’s match was incorrect. I got the winner and the scoreline pretty wrong.
Except Nuno Gomes scored! So I’m going to count that first prediction as ‘moderately successful’.
Germany showed why they were the pre-tournament favorites. Portugal showed that they lack some depth and finish and ideas. Crissy Ron Ron played pretty well, Deco played awesome, but some defensive lapses cost them in the end. I’m not that sad – Germany was great to watch.
Bastian Schweinsteiger was a man on a mission pumping in a goal and setting up 2 others.
Croatia or Turkey have much to fear – although Croatia beat Germany last round, and Turkey upset the favored Czechs… so the semi-final may not be a walk for the Germans.
However, given their poise, strike rate and confidence from last night, I wouldn’t bet against them.