Germany, Portugal reach quarters; Dutch
Done
Portugal and Germany advanced to the European Championship quarterfinals Sunday, with the tournament’s star attraction finally coming alive.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice and saw two shots strike the post in an outstanding display as Portugal came from behind to beat the Netherlands 2-1 in Kharkiv, Ukraine. The 2010 World Cup finalist exited Euro 2012 after three consecutive losses.
Germany also progressed as Group B winner, beating Denmark 2-1 to complete a perfect three-win record. Lukas Podolski and Lars Bender scored for the Germans.
Portugal will play the Czech Republic in the first quarterfinal in Warsaw, Poland, on Thursday.
“Now, everything is possible,” Ronaldo said.
Germany faces Greece in Gdansk, Poland, on Friday for a matchup with political overtones as the tournament plays out amid a financial crisis in the Eurozone.
Ronaldo arrived at Euro 2012 amid doubts over his record at major tournaments despite a prolific scoring season with Spanish champion Real Madrid.
After disappointing in his first two games in Ukraine, Ronaldo gave an emphatic response.
“Ronaldo got so much criticism in the last game, and he is back now,” Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk said. “That’s how fast things can change.”
Germany always was favored to progress from the tourney’s tough- est group but endured a nervous spell in the second half before securing its place in the last eight.
Podolski, playing his 100th international, scored in the 19th minute in Lviv, Ukraine.
Denmark equalized within five minutes, as Michael Krohn-Dehli rose in a crowded goalmouth to nod in Nicklas Bendtner’s headed pass.
The second-ranked Germans restored order in the 80th minute when Bender scored.