23rd June, 2012, Gdansk: On Friday, Germany humiliated Greece in the second quarter final match of the Euro 2012 in Gdansk as they beat the 2004 champs 4 – 2 to make it to the semi final. The 2008 finalists hit the Greece net right in the opening minutes but the goal was dismissed because of off-side.
Germany dominated the game throughout and got several chances but they failed to capitalize. German captain Philipp Lahm unwrapped the deadlock in 39th minute with his long range shot.
Lahm and his boys began the second half with a one goal lead, but Samaras made it 1 – 1 in the 55th minute. The joy for the Greek fans did not last longer as Germany again took the lead with a close range Sami Khedira volley. The misery for the Greeks continued as Miroslav Klose headed the third one in the 68th minute. The Greece defense appeared rattled by the German attacks and it was more to come for the 2004 Euro champs. Reus made it 4 for his team in 74th minute. In 89th minute, Salpingidis scored the second goal for Greece from the penalty spot.
Joachim Low, the Germany coach gave a new look to the team for their quarter final game as he left players like Mario Gomez and Thomas Müller out of the first team and brought in new faces who did not play in the group matches. With this win Germany, the most dominant team as well as one of favorites to win Euro 2012, has once again proved to be the team to think about.
