Ballack Sends Germany Through
(Soccer365.com) Captain Michael Ballack secured Germany’s place in the Euro 2008 quarterfinals with a superb free-kick in the 1-0 win over co-hosts Austria on Monday. The pre-tournament favorites will face Group A winners Portugal in Basel on Thursday.
After the two teams went to the break level at 0-0, Germany broke through in the 49th minute. The set piece was set up when Austria’s Andreas Ivanschitz pulled down Philipp Lahm. Ballack stepped up and drilled his right footed laser freekick over goalkeeper Jürgen Macho and into the upper right corner.
Until that moment, the host nation had shown well with possession but could not find the final touch to beat Germany’s Jens Lehmann.
Despite Austria pushing for the equalizer and several great counter attack opportunities, Germany could not add to the lead.
With the win Germany advance to the elimination round for the first time since 1996 when they last won the tournament.
