Germany defeat Greece to qualify for the Semis - Euro 2012 Quarter Finals
Impressive Germany eased into the Euro 2012 semi-finals as they romped to victory against Greece.
Joachim Loew’s side had 81% possession in the first half, but only had Phillipp Lahm’s 39th-minute goal to show for it, although it was a wonderful strike from the defender, past the outstretched hand of Michalis Sifakis.
Lahm scores the opening goal for Germany
Greece raised hopes of a shock result when former Manchester City striker Giorgios Samaras levelled on 55 minutes, converting Dimitris Salpigidis’ excellent cross.
But six minutes later Germany restored their lead with a fantastic volleyed frinish from Sami Khedira.
Miroslav Klose added a third on 68 minutes, heading in Mesut Ozil’s corner, and Marco Reus smashed in another high quality volley five minutes later to make the result certain.
Klose added a third goal on 68 minutes
Greece gave the scoreline some respectability in the closing minutes as Salpigidis fired in a penalty following a handball from Jerome Boateng.
But it was a mere consolation as Germany reached the semi-finals and set up a mouth-watering semi-final against the winners of Sunday’s quarter-final between England and Italy.