Germany vs Portugal

The Euro 2008 quarterfinals get underway today when Germany and Portugal square off on ESPN. Coverage starts at 2:30 EST, with a 2:45 kick-off expected. As in all the matchups from now on, this should be a great one. It features the dynamic attack of Portugal against the disciplined, patient approach of Germany. Many like Portugal in this game, but I like Germany to win, but this could go beyond regular time easily. I will not be doing a running commentary on this but will post halftime and postgame thoughts on here. Anyone following along feel free to post game events in the comments section. If you have no outlet to follow along, try ESPN360.com. Today I'll throw the ladies a bone with a shirtless picture of Cristiano.

Final: It's Germany who has held on and will advance to the semi-finals. They added a goal from Ballack, then Postiga came on and drew a goal back for Portugal late, but Germany weathered the storm to get the win. They now will get their rematch with Croatia if they can take care of business tomorrow against Turkey.

Half: Through the first 45 Germany leads Portugal 2-1. Each team has shown moments, but Portugal didn't use theirs well enough early on. Germany got off to a 2-0 lead by succeeding in quickly transitioning from defending to attacking, and Schweinsteiger got them on the board then Klose added the second. Nuno Gomes finished the rebound of a Ronaldo shot to get Portugal back in it. There is plenty of action, and either team could still very well take the result here and move forward.