Germany use their heads

The Germans came into the game as underdogs after doing little to justify pre-tournament billing as the favourites, but tore apart Cristiano Ronaldo 038; Co with brave, fast-paced football that put great pressure on the Portuguese.

Although Germany coach Joachim Loew was in the stands after being banned from the bench by UEFA for getting sent off in the previous 1-0 win over Austria, his players executed his game plan perfectly: a zonal defence coping with some of the flashiest players in Europe, double-marking Ronaldo and Deco.

Midfielders Simon Rolfes and Thomas Hitzlsperger started for the first time together and did what they were supposed to do: stifle the Portuguese attacks on the wings. Torsten Frings was out with a broken rib and Clemens Fritz was left on the bench.

Lukas Podolski played on the left wing and Schweinsteiger on the right, leaving Miroslav Klose as practically the only striker, with captain Michael Ballack playing in a more offensive role. The tactical change may have surprised the Portuguese. Usually, the Germans play with two strikers.

The game was practically decided in the first half hour, when Germany made the best of a furious start to go up 2-0. Germany went ahead in the 22nd minute when Ballack8217;s first-time pass allowed Podolski to streak down the left flank, beat Portugal defender Jose Boswinga and send in a low cross that Schweinsteiger tapped in from close range.

Four minutes later, Klose made it 2-0 after a free kick from Schweinsteiger, rising high and unmarked to score past goalkeeper Ricardo with an attempted header that appeared to glance off his shoulder.

Portugal striker Nuno Gomes pulled a goal back in the 40th, collecting the rebound after Cristiano Ronaldo8217;s shot was blocked by goalkeeper Jens Lehmann and scoring with a deflection from defender Christoph Metzelder.

But Ballack sealed the victory by heading in the third, again from a free kick by Schweinsteiger, who changed his shoe before taking the kick. 8220;I was afraid I wouldn8217;t have enough time to put it on. It started raining lightly, so I decided to get a different shoe. Now, I want to play against Croatia again in the semi-finals,8221; said Schweinsteiger, referring to his team 2-1 loss to the Croatians in the group stage.

In the 87th minute, Nani moved up the left and swept in a cross that substitute Helder Postiga headed home to give Portugal a little hope, but it was no more than that.

While watching the Austria game in the stands, Schweinsteiger talked briefly with Chancellor Angela Merkel. 8220;She told me to play like in 2006 and not to do anything stupid. And when the chancellor tells you something, you have to listen,8221; he said.