EURO 2012
Just like this time, Germany and Portugal were drawn in the same group at the EURO ’12, along with Netherlands and Denmark. Group B was dubbed by many the “group of death”. All four teams were in the top 10 of the FIFA World Rankings at the start of the tournament. In the crunch clash, Germany were able to break down a solid Portuguese defence only in the 2nd half, through Mario Gomez header courtesy of a deflected cross from mid-fielder Sami Khedira.
Final Score: Germany 1 – 0 Portugal (Mario Gomez 72′)
EURO 2008
In the first quarter-final of the EURO 2008 in Basel, Group A winners Portugal took on Germany, who had finished as runners-up of Group B. Germany’s Bastian Schweinsteiger scored the opener half-way through the first half, before Miroslav Klose doubled their lead four minutes later. Portugal pulled one back five minutes before half-time, but Germany restored their two-goal lead on the hour mark through Michael Ballack. Hélder Postiga pulled one back, but Germany were able to hang on to qualify for the semi-finals for the first time since 1996.
Final Score: Germany 3 – 2 Portugal (Schweinsteiger 22′, Klose 26′, Nuno Gomes 40′, Ballack 61′, Postiga 87′)
World Cup 2006
Hosts Germany got three goals in 20 minutes in the second half with the help of 21-year-old midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger. His first goal beat the Portuguese keeper Ricardo with pace over his head. Only 4 minutes later, Schweinsteiger’s free kick 30 metres from the left of the penalty box, connected with Petit’s knee to become an own goal for Portugal. The German did not stop, and netted his second goal, which swerved away to the keeper’s left, in the 78th minute. Portugal got a consolation goal with the help of substitute Luís Figo. A cross from the right wing on 88 minutes found fellow substitute Nuno Gomes at the far post, who dived in for the goal. The game ended 3–1, a result which gave Germany the bronze medal and left Portugal in fourth place.
Final Score: Germany 3 – 1 Portugal (Schweinsteiger 56′ & 78′, Petit (OG) 60′, Nuno Gomes 88′)
EURO 2000
In the EURO 200 Group A clash, A Sérgio Conceição hat-trick earned a largely second string Portugal side an eye-catching third straight victory in their Group A outings to end Germany’s UEFA European Championship defence. The then S.S. Lazio winger ended growing German optimism with his opener on 35 minutes and by the time he completed his hat-trick halfway through the second half, even fans of the holders were applauding Portugal’s flamboyance. On a day that saw Lothar Matthäus, Thomas Hässler and Ulf Kirsten win landmark caps, Germany’s UEFA EURO 2000 campaign came to a mediocre end.
Final Score: Germany 3 – 0 Portugal (Conceição 35′ 54′ 71′)
