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.
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.
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.