The Germans shot out to a quick 2-0 lead thanks in part to Bastian Schweinsteiger (most German name ever) returning from suspension. Portugal made it 2-1 before German captain Michael Ballack headed the ball into the net to make it 3-1. Portugal scored again, but Germany survived the last few minutes, knocking out one of the favorites of the tournament.
Turkey 1-1 Croatia (Turkey wins 3-1 on penalties)
This game saw no goals for 119 minutes. Ivan Klasnic took advantage of a goalkeepers' mistake to score for Croatia in the 2nd to last minute of extra time. But the cardiac kids of Turkey refused to quit, scoring in the very last second of the overtime to tie it up. In the penalty shootout, Croatia missed twice, Turkey nailed all of theirs, and Turkish backup keeper Rüştü Reçber made a save to clinch the game. Turkey has already had three come from behind victories in the tournament.
Russia 3-1 Netherlands
Yet another upset. The Dutch looked unstoppable in the group stage, but needed an 86th minute goal from Ruud van Nistelrooy in order to force extra time. But the Russians scored 2 backbreaking goals late in OT to advance to the semis.
Spain 0-0 Italy (Spain wins 4-2 on penalties)
Spain knocked out the World Champions thanks to keeper Iker Casillas stopping two penalty shots. Yet another upset, yet another game that required extra time, and yet another favorite eliminated. Spain looks to be a shoe-in for the finals, as they beat Russia 4-1 a few days ago. But this can only mean that Spain will lose to the Russkies.
Semifinals:
Wednesday: Germany vs. Turkey
Thursday: Spain vs. Russia
-The Commodore
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