By DPA,
Basel (Switzerland) : Germany Thursday became the first team to enter the semi-finals of Euro 2008 after beating Portugal 3-2 in a quarterfinal clash in Basle.
Two early goals from Bastian Schweinsteger and Miroslav Klose laid the foundations for the victory and although Nuno Gomes pulled one back for Portugal, captain Michael Ballack’s header on 61 minutes restored Germany’s two-goal cushion.
Substitute Helder Postiga reduced the deficit once more on 87 minutes but Germany held on.
Germany will face the winner of Friday’s quarter-final between Croatia and Turkey in their semi-final next Thursday.