We've reached the business end of the Euro 2008. There are no second chances any more – if you lose, you're out. It is with this mentality that Portugal and Germany will have to go into tonight's match, fully realising that neither can afford any slip-ups if they want to progress to the semi-finals.

After a disappointing loss to Croatia in their second group match, Germany managed to recover and post a somewhat unconvincing win over valiant hosts Austria to qualify second in their group. Coming into the tournament as favourites, Germany no longer carry that title after extremely mediocre performances. However, Portugal will have to be very wary of the potential that the Germans possess.

Portuguese coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will keep to the team that strolled through their opening two group games. The starting line-up should be: Ricardo – Paulo Ferreira, Jose Bosingwa, Ricardo Carvalho, Pepe – Armando Petit, Joao Moutinho, Deco – Cristiano Ronaldo, Nuno Gomes, Simao.

‘The Portuguese players are, on average, 7cm smaller than their German counterparts. Germany will look to take full advantage...’


One thing that Portugal will have some concern about is the aerial prowess of their German opponents. The Portuguese players are, on average, 7cm smaller than the Germans who will look to take full advantage.

Scolari is still confident that his side can prevail tonight, owing particularly to the effect that Ronaldo has on his team-mates. "He has a strong will to win that I've not seen in anyone else and the others soak that in," said Scolari.

While the Portuguese will be at full strength, Germany have to contend with injuries and suspensions – their coach, Joachim Low, has been banished to the stands after his touchline clash during the win over Austria.

More worrying for the Germans, however, is the news that midfielder Torsten Frings and star man Lukas Podolski might both miss out with injuries. Frings suffered a broken rib against Austria and looks in doubt, but Germany will do all they can to ensure he plays. "Since Torsten is such an important player for our team, our medical staff will exhaust all possibilities to get him fit," said Low.

Striker Podolski suffered a calf problem against Austria and may also have to sit out the match. ''It's going to be tight for Thursday," added Low  when quizzed about Podolski's fitness.

Losing both of them would be a massive blow as they play a vital role in the squad. Podolski has scored three of the four German goals so far and Frings plays a key role in the middle of the field.

Bastian Schweinsteiger is expected to earn a starting role against the Portuguese after serving a one-match suspension. So, depending on injuries, the German starting line up will probably be: Jens Lehmann – Christoph Metzelder, Per Mertesacker, Philipp Lahm, Arne Freidrich – Michael Ballack, Torsten Frings (if he recovers), Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mario Gomez – Miroslav Klose, Lukas Podolski (if he recovers).

After his stunning season with Manchester United, Ronaldo will really look to shine so expect some brilliance from the two-time English Footballer of the Year.

German captain Ballack signalled his Euro 2008 tournament intentions after blasting home the winning goal with his free kick against Austria. Both a brilliant playmaker and capable goalscorer, Ballack will be looked upon as the guiding light of the German team tonight. He has shown on many big occasions before that he is clearly capable of stepping into this role, and the talented midfielder may just be out for revenge against Ronaldo for United’s triumphs over Chelsea this year.

Given both teams' group stage performances, Portugal go into tonight’s match as favourites and should prevail. But if the Germans rise to their full potential, then the Portuguese will have serious difficulty in stopping them.