Germany against Portugal

Just the one minute left for Portugal...

A smoke-bomb has been lit in the Germany end, causing a response from the stadium announcer once more.

Three minutes added time...

Bemusement in the Portuguese crowd as a free-kick is given against Fabio Coentrao. Had some hold of Muller's shirt, but it could equally be said that he was being fouled by the German.

<b>Got to score!</b> Nelson Oliveira does well and lays the ball across goal. Germany fail to deal with it and it reaches Varela at the far-post. Neuer is off his line incredibly quickly to block the shot.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Toni Kroos replaces Mesut Ozil</b>

Now it's Nani again. This time a shot, left-footed, from 25 yards. Well wide.

Still all Portugal. This time Hummels has to move quickly to head clear as Nani's cross almost finds Varela.

<b>CROSSBAR</b> Nani's cross is overhit, but dips wickedly and strikes the bar. Lucky escape for Germany as the ball bounces clear.

Germany deal with the corner well, but Portugal are flooding forward now. A second corner, also cleared.

Ronaldo gets his first meaningful long shot on goal. Saved low by Neuer. Corner.

Fantastic stuff from Mats Hummels, dispossessing Nelson Oliveira and charging forward. Ozil takes up the mantle, but is flagged offside.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Silvestre Varela on for Meireles</b>

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Klose replaces Gomez</b>

Khedira may have supplied the cross for the goal, but his latest shot is awful and well over Rui Patricio's goal.

Gomez almost grabs himself a second. Portugal concede possession too easily and Muller is free on the right. His low cross is ever so temptingly played across the area, but Mario Gomez just cannot get on the end of the pass.

Not quite coming off for Portugal. Playing with more urgency now, but the passes aren't quite as fluid as they should be.

Portugal now with everything to do and they push forward down the right with Nani. Tackled by Badstuber though.

Can't quite emphasise the awful level of marking there. However, the header was every bit as good as the defending was bad.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL Germany 1-0 Portugal Mario Gomez heads the opener!!!</b> Imperious header back across goal from the Bayern striker as Sami Khedira's cross finds him unmarked in the centre of the area.

What is that? Thomas Muller, having battled past Fabio Coentrao, looks to cross left footed towards his two team-mates in the centre, but the cross is dire.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Nelson Oliveira replaces Helder Postiga</b>

Better from Germany this time as Muller finds space on the right, but his cross is too close to Rui Patricio.

Germany now playing the ball around nicely once more. Portugal content to let them play in defence.

Another minute and another foul. This time Nani penalised for a barge on Badstuber as he looked to win a corner. Harsh, that one.

Brief delay in proceedings as Boateng receives treatment. It is not long though before he is up and on his feet once more.

An opening comes finally for Cristiano Ronaldo, who had crept into space in the left-channel. Boateng, though, recovers brilliantly to get a foot in and block the Portuguese's shot.

That was naughty. Meireles and Badstuber were tussling for the ball in the corner when Meireles appears to have hit the German player in the face. Looks fairly deliberate on replays. Lucky man.

Foul by Badstuber on Moutinho in midfield. He needs to be careful now. He has been booked already.

Germany need to make a change here. They are looking fairly devoid of ideas in attacking areas.

Schweinsteiger shows great desire to overlap down the right and run onto Ozil's pass. His low cross is too close to Rui Patricio and the keeper claims.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Coentrao</b> sees yellow for a poor tackle on Schweinsteiger.

Back in play once more after that little break in proceedings. Half-an-hour for either team to grab a win then.

Moutinho is now down on the floor after a poor tackle from Khedira. Play is held up for a minute or two.

A minute later, though, Podolski almost makes amends. Receiving the ball on the left, he crosses well first-time for Gomez whose header is tame.

In the Portugal box, Podolski looks to work a shot on his left-foot. The ball is seen behind for a goal-kick after a poor touch by the German forward.

Break in play for a foul by Muller eventually taken by Bruno Alves.

The throw-in quickly developed into a corner. Swung in by Nani from the left, but Postiga cannot keep the ball in play at the back post.

Portugal come forward and win a throw-in deep in the German half. Boateng too elaborate with his defending.

Magical feet from Ozil once more, crossing for Podolski, but just over the Arsenal man's head in the area.

Free-kick given for shirt-pulling by Miguel Veloso on Khedira. Crossed in, but easily cleared.

Corner to Portugal. Ronaldo has Boateng terrified and forces him back into the area. His dinked cross towards Postiga is headed clear by Hummels.

Coentrao bursts down the left once more and looks to find Postiga. His pass is cut out, but Ronaldo seizes upon the loose ball to fire a shot just wide of goal. Tame by his standards.

Nani has Lahm on toast on the right wing, skipping past his man with ease. His cross though is headed clear by Hummels, with a dive for the camera.

After Podolski's effort, the ball came back to Muller on the right, but his second effort was deflected for a corner. Eventually cleared by Portugal.

Early chance for Podolski. Muller pulls the ball across goal from the right and it rolls right through to Podolski at the back-post. His shot is blocked by Joao Pereira.

<b>SECOND HALF</b> underway in Lviv

The teams are reemerging for the second period. Almost time to get back underway.

For Portugal, we will likely see more of the same. Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo will be left to supply the creativity.

Hopefully we see an up-tempo second half. Germany, if they are going to break-down Portugal, need to up the speed of their passing. They have been too static at times.

Mesut Ozil probably the pick of the bunch for Germany so far. Pepe leading the Portuguese defensive effort manfully.

For anyone wondering, the Pepe shot that bounced on the line was the correct decision. The ball had not crossed the line. Ever so close though.

Portugal then will be very happy with their night's work so far. The better of the chances and they could be ahead. Germany, for all their possession, have struggled to make any attacking impact.

<b>HALF TIME</b> Germany 0-0 Portugal

One minute added time...

<b>OFF THE LINE!</b> Portugal's corner reaches Pepe who places the ball onto the crossbar. The ball then bounces down directly onto the line and is hoofed clear.

The German fans are threatened with the game's possible abandonment with 'soft' missiles raining down on Portugal's players.

Free-kick swung in by Coentrao from the right, straight to Neuer.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Badstuber</b> catches Nani on the ankle as Portugal look to break.

Podolski is the latest to get forward down the left. His cross is not as good, though, and easily cleared.

Chance for Thomas Muller now. Lahm's scuffed shot from the left rolls all the way across the face of goal and Muller comes in at the back post, but his shot is scuffed wide of the far post.

Good play from Lahm this time, overlapping down the left and firing a low cross towards those waiting in the centre. Cleared by Bruno Alves.

It has been quite some time since Portugal had the ball, but it is Germany getting frustrated. This time Ozil is dispossessed with ease by Pepe.

Germany do get a shot away this time, but it is dreadful. Khedira from 35 yards fires well over the bar.

Pepe is the latest Portuguese defender to step up to the plate. This time the Real Madrid man steps in to halt Mario Gomez when the Bayern striker looked to be creating a shooting opportunity.

Once more, Germany probe down the right with Boateng. Coentrao once more does his job manfully, stealing in to knick away the ball.

Germany look to test Coentrao's defensive abilities with Ozil, but the Portuguese stays strong and steals the ball away.

Moutinho gives away a free-kick on Schweinsteiger in midfield. The German, though, appears to catch Moutinho with his studs on the way down. Naughty.

Germany come forward, but Portugal's bank of three in midfield is proving tough to break down ahead of the defence.

Portugal immediately counter, but Ronaldo's pass cannot pick out Nani on the far-right.

<b>Sliced!</b> Germany work a chance wonderfully and when the ball is played to Podolski by Lahm it seems he must hit the target. Podolski's shot is dreadful, though. Sliced left-footed into the heavens.

Portugal win the ball back as Ronaldo steps in to rob Schweinsteiger. Pereira's cross from the right is headed clear by Hummels.

Stop-start still as Nani fouls Ozil this time. Not a free-flowing game thus far.

Long spell of German possession oncce more. Podolski attempts an overly ambitious volley to try and open the scoring from a deep cross. Completely mishit.

Germany getting frustrated now as another cross is swung in to nobody. Portugal are defending well so far.

Somewhat predictably it is dreadful and straight at the wall. Not much more to say on that one...

The referee is taking his time sorting out the wall on this one. Podolski to take!

Germany have a dangerous free-kick 25 yards out. Meireles tripping Khedira. What can they so with this?

Schweinsteiger looking to step forward and take responsibility for Germany, but his delicate through-ball towards Mario Gomez is cut out by Bruno Alves

Portugal will be very happy with this start. They are allowing Germany plenty of the ball, but they have threatened more so far.

Almost a chance for Mario Gomez to create a shooting chance at the other-end, after hesitation in the Portugal defence. Gomez is slow out the blocks, though, and Pepe clears.

The ball is swung in beautifully by Coentrao from the right and Helder Postiga looks to have a free-header in the middle. However, the striker makes minimal contact with the ball.

Ronaldo has Boatend mesmerised with a series of step-overs down the left and his low cross reaps havoc. Germany escape by conceding a corner.

Joao Moutinho is the latest player to give away a free-kick for a foul on Schweinsteiger. Germany's possession continues.

Germany enjoy a healthy spell of possession without really threatening the Portugal goal. Looking confident in midfield.

Back underway and Coentrao is attacking down the left for Portugal. His cross is tame and easily cleared by Neuer.

Neuer down receiving treatment, but eventually gets to his feet and should be ok.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Helder Postiga</b> booked for catching Manuel Neuer as he cleared the ball. Terrible tackle. Studs showing.

Germany close to squeezing Ozil into a shooting position, but Joao Pereira gets a foot in to deny the Madrid playmaker working a chance.

Good start from both sides. Looks to be an open game in store.

First effort on goal for Arsenal new-boy Lukas Podolski. Outside of the foot from 20 yards, but comfortable for Rui Patricio.

Another free-kick given. This time Muller on Coentrao. Been a fair few around the pitch so far.

Helder Postiga now looks to win a set-piece for Portugal in the left-wing position. Running at Hummels, though, Postiga trips himself and knocks the ball for a goal-kick.

Boateng once more has time to cross from the right for Germany. Off-target this time and Rui Patricio claims.

Portugal enjoying a good spell of possession now and winning free-kicks in midfield. Can they pull their talents together when it matters?

Swung in from the right by Coentrao, Neuer rises in the centre to punch clear commandingly.

Action-packed opening as Fabio Coentrao bursts forward and looks to slip in Helder Postiga. Knocked behind for a corner.

Early chance for Germany. Crossed from deep by Boateng and Mario Gomez rises to head. Saved by Patricio.

Portugal get us underway, but it's not long before Germany are stroking the ball around in defence. Portugal happy to let them play.

<b>KICK OFF!</b>

Singing complete. It's time for football. One thing to note - there is a very vocal German crowd in attendance.

The two sides are on the pitch and it's anthem times. Portugal first up, to be followed by Germany.

In Lviv then, the teams have finished their warm-ups and we are edging towards kick-off. Germany looking to continue where they left off in qualifying, whilst Portugal are hoping that they can up their game when it matters most.

If you missed Denmark's surprise victory over Netherlands, you can also read that report - <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=334182&cc=5739" target="_blank">Read</a>

You can read Mark Lomas' preview of this potentially salivating encounter here - <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=334183&cc=5739" target="_blank">Read</a>

Similarly, Portugal start as expected. The Iberians have struggled to fire in recent games, but they have enough fire-power to mean that they could be a serious threat this summer.

<b>Portugal:</b> Rui Patricio, Joao Pereira, Bruno Alves, Pepe, Fabio Coentrao, Meireles, Veloso, Joao Moutinho, Nani, Postiga, Ronaldo. Subs: Eduardo, Custodio, Almeida, Quaresma, Nelson Oliveira, Ricardo Costa, Rolando, Ruben Micael, Varela, Miguel Lopes, Hugo Viana, Beto.

No real surprises in Joachim Low's Germany side. Philipp Lahm will start at left-back, with Jerome Boateng on the other side of defence. Mario Gomez starts up-front ahead of Miroslav Klose.

<b>Germany</b>: Neuer, Boateng, Hummels, Badstuber, Lahm, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Muller, Ozil, Podolski, Gomez. Subs: Wiese, Gundogan, Schmelzer, Howedes, Schurrle, Klose, Bender, Mertesacker, Kroos, Gotze, Reus, Zieler.

We've had one major shock so far in Group B then and now, we have a potential classic - Germany v Portugal from Lviv.

Gomez almost grabs himself a second. Portugal concede possession too easily and Muller is free on the right. His low cross is ever so temptingly played across the area, but Mario Gomez just cannot get on the end of the pass.

Not quite coming off for Portugal. Playing with more urgency now, but the passes aren't quite as fluid as they should be.

Portugal now with everything to do and they push forward down the right with Nani. Tackled by Badstuber though.

Can't quite emphasise the awful level of marking there. However, the header was every bit as good as the defending was bad.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/goal.gif"> <b>GOAL Germany 1-0 Portugal Mario Gomez heads the opener!!!</b> Imperious header back across goal from the Bayern striker as Sami Khedira's cross finds him unmarked in the centre of the area.

What is that? Thomas Muller, having battled past Fabio Coentrao, looks to cross left footed towards his two team-mates in the centre, but the cross is dire.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/subs.gif"> <b>Nelson Oliveira replaces Helder Postiga</b>

Better from Germany this time as Muller finds space on the right, but his cross is too close to Rui Patricio.

Germany now playing the ball around nicely once more. Portugal content to let them play in defence.

Another minute and another foul. This time Nani penalised for a barge on Badstuber as he looked to win a corner. Harsh, that one.

Brief delay in proceedings as Boateng receives treatment. It is not long though before he is up and on his feet once more.

An opening comes finally for Cristiano Ronaldo, who had crept into space in the left-channel. Boateng, though, recovers brilliantly to get a foot in and block the Portuguese's shot.

That was naughty. Meireles and Badstuber were tussling for the ball in the corner when Meireles appears to have hit the German player in the face. Looks fairly deliberate on replays. Lucky man.

Foul by Badstuber on Moutinho in midfield. He needs to be careful now. He has been booked already.

Germany need to make a change here. They are looking fairly devoid of ideas in attacking areas.

Schweinsteiger shows great desire to overlap down the right and run onto Ozil's pass. His low cross is too close to Rui Patricio and the keeper claims.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Coentrao</b> sees yellow for a poor tackle on Schweinsteiger.

Back in play once more after that little break in proceedings. Half-an-hour for either team to grab a win then.

Moutinho is now down on the floor after a poor tackle from Khedira. Play is held up for a minute or two.

A minute later, though, Podolski almost makes amends. Receiving the ball on the left, he crosses well first-time for Gomez whose header is tame.

In the Portugal box, Podolski looks to work a shot on his left-foot. The ball is seen behind for a goal-kick after a poor touch by the German forward.

Break in play for a foul by Muller eventually taken by Bruno Alves.

The throw-in quickly developed into a corner. Swung in by Nani from the left, but Postiga cannot keep the ball in play at the back post.

Portugal come forward and win a throw-in deep in the German half. Boateng too elaborate with his defending.

Magical feet from Ozil once more, crossing for Podolski, but just over the Arsenal man's head in the area.

Free-kick given for shirt-pulling by Miguel Veloso on Khedira. Crossed in, but easily cleared.

Corner to Portugal. Ronaldo has Boateng terrified and forces him back into the area. His dinked cross towards Postiga is headed clear by Hummels.

Coentrao bursts down the left once more and looks to find Postiga. His pass is cut out, but Ronaldo seizes upon the loose ball to fire a shot just wide of goal. Tame by his standards.

Nani has Lahm on toast on the right wing, skipping past his man with ease. His cross though is headed clear by Hummels, with a dive for the camera.

After Podolski's effort, the ball came back to Muller on the right, but his second effort was deflected for a corner. Eventually cleared by Portugal.

Early chance for Podolski. Muller pulls the ball across goal from the right and it rolls right through to Podolski at the back-post. His shot is blocked by Joao Pereira.

<b>SECOND HALF</b> underway in Lviv

The teams are reemerging for the second period. Almost time to get back underway.

For Portugal, we will likely see more of the same. Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo will be left to supply the creativity.

Hopefully we see an up-tempo second half. Germany, if they are going to break-down Portugal, need to up the speed of their passing. They have been too static at times.

Mesut Ozil probably the pick of the bunch for Germany so far. Pepe leading the Portuguese defensive effort manfully.

For anyone wondering, the Pepe shot that bounced on the line was the correct decision. The ball had not crossed the line. Ever so close though.

Portugal then will be very happy with their night's work so far. The better of the chances and they could be ahead. Germany, for all their possession, have struggled to make any attacking impact.

<b>HALF TIME</b> Germany 0-0 Portugal

One minute added time...

<b>OFF THE LINE!</b> Portugal's corner reaches Pepe who places the ball onto the crossbar. The ball then bounces down directly onto the line and is hoofed clear.

The German fans are threatened with the game's possible abandonment with 'soft' missiles raining down on Portugal's players.

Free-kick swung in by Coentrao from the right, straight to Neuer.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Badstuber</b> catches Nani on the ankle as Portugal look to break.

Podolski is the latest to get forward down the left. His cross is not as good, though, and easily cleared.

Chance for Thomas Muller now. Lahm's scuffed shot from the left rolls all the way across the face of goal and Muller comes in at the back post, but his shot is scuffed wide of the far post.

Good play from Lahm this time, overlapping down the left and firing a low cross towards those waiting in the centre. Cleared by Bruno Alves.

It has been quite some time since Portugal had the ball, but it is Germany getting frustrated. This time Ozil is dispossessed with ease by Pepe.

Germany do get a shot away this time, but it is dreadful. Khedira from 35 yards fires well over the bar.

Pepe is the latest Portuguese defender to step up to the plate. This time the Real Madrid man steps in to halt Mario Gomez when the Bayern striker looked to be creating a shooting opportunity.

Once more, Germany probe down the right with Boateng. Coentrao once more does his job manfully, stealing in to knick away the ball.

Germany look to test Coentrao's defensive abilities with Ozil, but the Portuguese stays strong and steals the ball away.

Moutinho gives away a free-kick on Schweinsteiger in midfield. The German, though, appears to catch Moutinho with his studs on the way down. Naughty.

Germany come forward, but Portugal's bank of three in midfield is proving tough to break down ahead of the defence.

Portugal immediately counter, but Ronaldo's pass cannot pick out Nani on the far-right.

<b>Sliced!</b> Germany work a chance wonderfully and when the ball is played to Podolski by Lahm it seems he must hit the target. Podolski's shot is dreadful, though. Sliced left-footed into the heavens.

Portugal win the ball back as Ronaldo steps in to rob Schweinsteiger. Pereira's cross from the right is headed clear by Hummels.

Stop-start still as Nani fouls Ozil this time. Not a free-flowing game thus far.

Long spell of German possession oncce more. Podolski attempts an overly ambitious volley to try and open the scoring from a deep cross. Completely mishit.

Germany getting frustrated now as another cross is swung in to nobody. Portugal are defending well so far.

Somewhat predictably it is dreadful and straight at the wall. Not much more to say on that one...

The referee is taking his time sorting out the wall on this one. Podolski to take!

Germany have a dangerous free-kick 25 yards out. Meireles tripping Khedira. What can they so with this?

Schweinsteiger looking to step forward and take responsibility for Germany, but his delicate through-ball towards Mario Gomez is cut out by Bruno Alves

Portugal will be very happy with this start. They are allowing Germany plenty of the ball, but they have threatened more so far.

Almost a chance for Mario Gomez to create a shooting chance at the other-end, after hesitation in the Portugal defence. Gomez is slow out the blocks, though, and Pepe clears.

The ball is swung in beautifully by Coentrao from the right and Helder Postiga looks to have a free-header in the middle. However, the striker makes minimal contact with the ball.

Ronaldo has Boatend mesmerised with a series of step-overs down the left and his low cross reaps havoc. Germany escape by conceding a corner.

Joao Moutinho is the latest player to give away a free-kick for a foul on Schweinsteiger. Germany's possession continues.

Germany enjoy a healthy spell of possession without really threatening the Portugal goal. Looking confident in midfield.

Back underway and Coentrao is attacking down the left for Portugal. His cross is tame and easily cleared by Neuer.

Neuer down receiving treatment, but eventually gets to his feet and should be ok.

<img src="http://soccernet-assets.espn.go.com/design05/gp10/i/yellow_card.jpg" height="15"> <b>Helder Postiga</b> booked for catching Manuel Neuer as he cleared the ball. Terrible tackle. Studs showing.

Germany close to squeezing Ozil into a shooting position, but Joao Pereira gets a foot in to deny the Madrid playmaker working a chance.

Good start from both sides. Looks to be an open game in store.

First effort on goal for Arsenal new-boy Lukas Podolski. Outside of the foot from 20 yards, but comfortable for Rui Patricio.

Another free-kick given. This time Muller on Coentrao. Been a fair few around the pitch so far.

Helder Postiga now looks to win a set-piece for Portugal in the left-wing position. Running at Hummels, though, Postiga trips himself and knocks the ball for a goal-kick.

Boateng once more has time to cross from the right for Germany. Off-target this time and Rui Patricio claims.

Portugal enjoying a good spell of possession now and winning free-kicks in midfield. Can they pull their talents together when it matters?

Swung in from the right by Coentrao, Neuer rises in the centre to punch clear commandingly.

Action-packed opening as Fabio Coentrao bursts forward and looks to slip in Helder Postiga. Knocked behind for a corner.

Early chance for Germany. Crossed from deep by Boateng and Mario Gomez rises to head. Saved by Patricio.

Portugal get us underway, but it's not long before Germany are stroking the ball around in defence. Portugal happy to let them play.

<b>KICK OFF!</b>

Singing complete. It's time for football. One thing to note - there is a very vocal German crowd in attendance.

The two sides are on the pitch and it's anthem times. Portugal first up, to be followed by Germany.

In Lviv then, the teams have finished their warm-ups and we are edging towards kick-off. Germany looking to continue where they left off in qualifying, whilst Portugal are hoping that they can up their game when it matters most.

If you missed Denmark's surprise victory over Netherlands, you can also read that report - <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=334182&cc=5739" target="_blank">Read</a>

You can read Mark Lomas' preview of this potentially salivating encounter here - <a href="http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=334183&cc=5739" target="_blank">Read</a>

Similarly, Portugal start as expected. The Iberians have struggled to fire in recent games, but they have enough fire-power to mean that they could be a serious threat this summer.

<b>Portugal:</b> Rui Patricio, Joao Pereira, Bruno Alves, Pepe, Fabio Coentrao, Meireles, Veloso, Joao Moutinho, Nani, Postiga, Ronaldo. Subs: Eduardo, Custodio, Almeida, Quaresma, Nelson Oliveira, Ricardo Costa, Rolando, Ruben Micael, Varela, Miguel Lopes, Hugo Viana, Beto.

No real surprises in Joachim Low's Germany side. Philipp Lahm will start at left-back, with Jerome Boateng on the other side of defence. Mario Gomez starts up-front ahead of Miroslav Klose.

<b>Germany</b>: Neuer, Boateng, Hummels, Badstuber, Lahm, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Muller, Ozil, Podolski, Gomez. Subs: Wiese, Gundogan, Schmelzer, Howedes, Schurrle, Klose, Bender, Mertesacker, Kroos, Gotze, Reus, Zieler.

We've had one major shock so far in Group B then and now, we have a potential classic - Germany v Portugal from Lviv.