Portugal confronted Germany in the first quarter final of this year’s Euro competition on Thursday June 19.

Germany started the game well with a couple of quick goals, but the third and winning goal from the German side created much controversy. Goal scorer, Michael Ballack, had clearly pushed Portuguese defender Paulo Ferreira out of the way to gain an advantage, and score the winner. The controversial goal created frustration for the Portuguese, including Manager Scolari, who had signaled to the referee of the offense to no avail.

Portugal controlled the second half of the game, both in possession and scoring chances but weren’t able to tie the game. Portugal played the beautiful game that the world has come to know, but weren’t able to capitalize against the methodical Germans, who were content on capitalizing on the counter attack, like Turkey in game 1. It is a disappointment to all Portugal fans, but the Portuguese can hold their heads up knowing that their team had never given up, and had come so close to scoring the tie on numerous occasions. It will be sad to see the best team in Euro 2008 not be there at the final.

In other news:

Portuguese winger, Cristiano Ronaldo admitted after the game that he had been playing with a foot injury for the last three months and will need surgery to correct the problem in his foot.

The Portuguese National Team had a perfect start to this year’s Euro tournament, with two wins in their first two games to put them through to the knock out stages.

Cristiano Ronaldo knows that the toughest games are ahead, and Portugal are not taking any team for granted.

Portugal began their tournament with a game versus Turkey which they had a decisive win of 2 – 0. Four days later, they beat the Czech Republic 3-1. C. Ronaldo was involved in all three goals of that game, scoring one and setting up the other two.

There is a strong possibility that Portugal will face tournament favorites, Germany, in the quarter finals. Germany is presently the runners-up to Croatia in group B.

“I’m certain that game after game, it’s going to be progressively more difficult,” Ronaldo told euro2008.com. “We have to be prepared for this. There have already been surprises. Germany were the favourites against Croatia and Croatia still won.”

Ronaldo also confirmed speculation that Scolari will be resting his key players in the next game versus Switzerland, however he insists that the game will not be taken lightly.

“Our motivation remains the same,” he said. “The players who are coming in are going to give their best as they will want to show Mr Scolari they want to be in the first eleven. I think it’s going to be a good game because the majority of the players who will play haven’t played yet.”

Portugal meet Switzerland on Sunday.

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Cristiano fans know that he scored many goals this season, equaling and surpassing records that have held for many years.

Cristiano Ronaldo7.com salutes C. Ronaldo for his achievements, his unrelenting will and his phenomenal talent in the game of football.

We have found a great video containing all his goals for the 2007-2008 season.

This is a great compilation of our favorite player.